M^ ^ 



^jS 



^JS>> 



D2> > 



i),Sll!Hi 






^^^. 



^>I^ 



^ 






op>a) 3 



^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. |' 



I 

|J|< UNSTED STATES OF AIV3ERECA. i^' 



'H^^^'-^^ — ^ 



:»':y}y»y3 



^ 



y'^t"///^.j///<(y' 



F/n/i' 




A front view of'lKe Internal or SeiisiLle Foot aa tJu- 



Ffr ll'/ul.s /-'.irrnn/ /'ii/'/i.</i,,/ i>i' It P<i/f,/s(iii ,('• J.,:hi/>u''fi Fif/../>//n//i . 



2X2ire<i4flt ,-vutf>fM: 



▲ 

COMPLETE SYSTEM OP 

FARRIERY, 

AKli TETEUIKAUX M.ED1C1KE. 

CONTAINING 

A COMPEJVniUM OF THE VETERIJ\*dRF ART, 

OB A5I 

ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE -DISEASES OF HORSES, 



AND THEIR MODE OF TREATMENT ; THE ANATOMY 
AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE FOOT, AND THE 
PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF 
' SHOEING. . 

"With observations on Stable management, feeding, exercise, and condition. 
By JAMES WHITE, late Vetereniary Surgeon to the First, or Royal 
Dragoons. Newly arranged by the publishers, in which are intro- 
duced the late and important Treatises upon the Glanders, 
Farcy, Staggers, Inflammation of the Lungs and Bow- 
els, the prevention and treatment of Lameness, and 
precautions to be observed in purchasing Hor- 
ses. — By the same author. Illustrated by 
eighteen Elegant Plates. 

7 _ .«__ 

JAMES TVfflTE, 

Late Veterinary Surgeon to the Firsts or Royal Dragoons. 



rlRST AMERICAN EDITION, NEWLY ARRANGED FROM THE IOTK 

LONDON EDITION. 



PITTSBURGH, 

PUBLISHED BY R. PATTERSON AND LAMBDIN, 

Fourth Street, West of Wood. ^"^^^ir: 

Butler & Lambdin, Printers. 

'18I8. 



JKastern District of Pennsylvania, to wit : 

Be it nioMBMBERED, That on the nineteenth day of May, in the forty se- 
<ft^^/^^(i[S cond year of the Independence of the United Stales ofAmer- 
IJ , g ^ ica, A. U. 1818, Mathew Carey & Son of the said District, 
^ V ^^^^ deposited in this office the title of a Book) tlie right 

j^/'/»/»^^ whereof they claim as proprietors, in the words following, 
to wit : — 

" A complete System of Farriery, and Veterinary Medicine, Contain- 
:ng a compendium of the Veterinary x\rt, or an accurate description of the 
diseases of Horses, and their Mode of Treatment ; the Anatomy and Phy 
yiology of the foot, and the principles and practice of shoeing. With ob- 
servations on stable management, feeding, exercise and condition. By 
JAMES WHITE, late Veterinary Surgeon to the First, or Royal Dxagoons. 
Newly arranged by the publishers, in which are introduced the late and im- 
portant Treatises upon the Glanders, Farcy, Staggers, Inflammation of the 
L.ungs and Bowels, the prevention and treatment of Lameness, and precau- 
tions to be observed in purchasing horses. — By the same author. Illustra- 
ted by 18 Elegant Plates. 

In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, intltled, 
*' An Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of 
Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies. 
During the times therein mentioned." — And also to the Act, entitled, 
•* An Act supplementary to An Act, entitled, " An Act for the encourage- 
ment of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to 
the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein men- 
-tioned." and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engra- 
ving, and etching historical and other prints." 

D. CALDWELL, Clerk of the 
Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 

For value received, we do hereby assign to R. Patterson <§* 
Lambdin] all our right, title, and interest in the above copy 
right. 

M. CAREY Sf SON. 
Philadelfhia, June 5, 1818. 



(K 



6^ 



^A 



y 



P R E F A € £ 



TO THE 



EIGHTH EIJITIOR 



Tfle Aidhot\^ most sanguine p^vpectatuju^i must 
have been s;ratijied by the sale of seven large impres- 
sions Lciihin a short time ; and his gratitude to the 
jiuhlicj who had so kindly patronised him, claimed from 
his hands whatever raore mature reflection and addi- 
tional experience had dictated. Thraigh anxnoiis to 
perform this task, ill health and prifesional engaa'e- 
ments have prevented him until the present edition 
teas called for. Some of the additions have been in- 
corporated into the work; but it icas found neces^<arv 
to ^L^ive the greater part as an. Appendix, which ren- 
dered some repetitiovs unavoidable ; he trusts, howev- 
er these will be pardoned, when the importance of a 
more minute detail of symptoms and of a more varied- 
p}lan of cure is considered. The only addition to the 
article of shoeing is an improved method of shoeing 
flat and convex feet. For this the author is indebted 
to the Honourable A^ewton Fellowes of Eggsford^ 
whose reputation as a sportsman is equalled by his ac- 
curate Icnowledge of the general management (f the 
horse. The liberal support udiich the author has ex- 
jmrienced fi'om this gentleman, during his residence 
in Devonshire, claims his icarmest acknowledgements. 
The jiatronage ivith which the public have honoured 
Jiim will ever be remembered with gratitude, and stim- 
ulate him to continue his exertions in contributing to 
improve the condition of the most useful of animals^ 

Veterinaut Establishment, 
ExE Island, Exeter; 



COMPENDIUM 



I 
' OF THE 



VETEMINARY ART. S(c 



CHAPTER 1 

Introduction, 

THERE is scarcely a disease to wliicli the Horse 
is liable, that will not appear, upon a strict ex- 
amination, either to consist in, or to be a consequenca 
of inflamraation, which, when it attacks any of the in- 
ternal organs, gives nseto his most dangerous diseas- 
es : thus an inflamation of the lungs, bowels, or any 
of tlie internal parts, will produce that kind of de- 
rangement in the system which is termed a fever, the 
.violence of whicli will be proportioned to the degree 
and extent of the inflammation, and tlie importance of 
the inflamed organ in the animal economy. It ap- 
pears necessary therefore, as an introduction to this 
work, to give a sketch of the anatomy of those inter- 
nal organs, and to point out the various functions? 
they perform : after wliich it will he proper to give a 
general description of inflammation, witli its diiierent 
modes of termination. 

We sometimes, however, meet with diseases wliich 
seem to originate in debility ; but many of these will 



be round, if carefully attended to at the CQmmencc« 
merit, to heii;iii v/itli some degree of increased action of 
the system ; and tliougli bleeding may be improper a 
mild purgative will generally prove very beneficial. 

In the former editions of this work, scarcely any 
notice was taken of these diseases : we shall in the 
present, therefore, describe particularly, under the 
head Fever, their symptomG^ causes^ and most effete- 
tual mode of treatment. 



Structure andfiinctions of th?- Internal 'i)rgans. 

The hollow part of the body is divided into i\vo 
cavities by a strong muscular partition termed the di- 
aphragm or midriir; tlic anterior part is named the 
thorax or chest ; and the posterior the abdomen or bel- 
ly. The thorax contains ih^. lungs and heart ; the 
abdomen the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen or mili> 
^;«7a?2cr^a§ or sweetbread^ kidneys^ and bladder. 



Of the Lungs. 

In describing iijG lungs, it is necessary to begin 
with the trachea or windpipe, which is a cylindrical 
carlilaglnous tube, expending from the throat to the 
chest. The trachea is not made up of one entire car- 
tilage, but of several cartilaginous, rings, which are 
united by strong membranes ; and such is the elasti- 
city of these cartilages, that the tube is enabled to 
preserve its cylindrical form, even when it receives 
considerable pressure, and thereby affords free ingress 
and egress to t!ie air in respiration. The membranes 
also are elastic, so that the windpipe may be either 
elongated, shortened, or bent, in some degree. The 
iipptr part of tlie trachea is composed of stronger car- 



tilages thaiuheoihcr parts of iiie tube, and is termed 
larynx : to this is connected a curious kind of valve, 
called epiglottis^ which is always oj)enj except in the 
act of s.vallowing : it is then forced down upon the 
larynx^ so as to prevent food^ or any thin.^ which may 
be passing over the throaty from falling into the wind- 
pipe. Where the trachea joins the chest, it divides 
into numerous l)ranches, v/hicli gradually becoming 
smaller^ at length terminate in minute cells : i\\Q lungs, 
indeed, are made up of the raiiifications of the tra- 
ciiea and blood vessels; the interstices being fdled 
with a celhiiav membrane, v/hich serves not only to 
unite them, bat like\¥ise to give a aniform and homo- 
gen eons appearance to the whole mass. The lungs 
are covered with a fine delicate membrane called the 
yleuriiy which also covers the internal surface of the 
ribs and diaphragm, and, by stretching across the 
chest from the spine (o the breast-bone, divides the 
thorax into two cavities ; this part of the pleura is 
therefore named mediasiinuiu. On every part of tlie 
pleura, ihiid is secreted for the ])nrpose of preventing 
a cohesion of tlie parts ; and when this is produced 
too abundantly, it constitutes the disease termed liy- 
drothorax, or dropsy of the cliest. The pleura, thougli 
so fine XI membrane, is impervious to air^ which may 
be proved on the dead animal, by rnpturing one or 
more of the small branches of the windpipe^, and theu 
plowing into the lungs. The air which is forced m 
will then escape thFoi-gli the ruptured parts, and h.^ 
/diSnsedin iliQ cellular membraae,* so as to maketht*. 

* Tlie celji'Jar membraru" is that which connects tlie various parts of the 
body with each otlicr ; it not only unites tivi skin to the ilcsh, and the larg'c 
muscles to each other, but is employed also to connect the minute fibre?* 
\vhich compose the skin, iiiUscles, Sec. and therefore it is infirrred, tiiat tlse 
celhiiav mctTibrane exisls in ever}' part otthe body, howevtr minute ; and is 
in some parts so fine, as to be invisible ; while in otliers, as between ti^e 
shoulderblade and. the ribs, it is very conspicuous. ' The cellular membrane 
is con\pobed of cells of various sizes, which conimunicide freely with each 
other, so that if a blowpipe be put imo one ( f the cells, and air forc<:d 
throug"]i it, all the neig'hbonring' parts will be blown up to a considerable size. 
A iiimiiiar example of this is the practice amcn^ butchers of blowmj^ up 
the cellular membrane of a sliouldtr of veal, it sometiixics happens in 'di< 





liing?3 appear much larger than they were before.— 
When the air is at leii2:th forced t.) the surface of the 
luugs^ it will be prevented from escaping by the pleu- 
ra, which will be blown up, and appear like an inflat- 
ed bladder on the surface of the lungs. If this be 
punctured, the air will soon escape, and the lungs will 
return to their original size. This circumstance is no - 
ticed, as it is supposed to happen sometimes in the 
living animal, and to be the cause of broken w ind. — 
(Sec Bi'oJcen iVlndand Chronic Cough.) The lungs 
are divided into tv/o parts, or lobes, one of which is 
situate in each cavity of the thorax : this division 
seems to have been provided in case of accidents, it 
Laving been proved, that when one lobe is incapable 
of performing its function in consequence of injury or 
disease, the other has been found adequate to the sup- 
port of life. 

The lungs are the organs of respiration or bre^i- 
ing; but they do not appear to be actively concerned 
in the performance of this office : when the diaphragm 
and the muscles of the belly and ribs contract, the ca- 
vity of the thorax is considerably diminished, and 
the lungs so compressed, that all the air contained in 
them is forced out through the windpipe : when this 
has been eflTected, the muscles relax, and the thorax 
returns to its original size. There would now" be a 
vacuum between the internal surface of the ribs, and 
the external surface of the lungs, did not the air rush 
in through the windpipe, and so distend its branches 
and cells as to make the lungs completely fill the cavi- 
ty. Thus are the lungs constantly employed in in- 
spimtion and expiration ; and this process, which we 
call breathing, is carried on by the combined action of 

case of a fractured lib, that one end of the bone is forced into the lungs, 
so as to V, find t!ie branches of the windpipe and the pleura ; the air which 
"iS inspired will then escape ; and, as the wound communicates with the cel- 
lular membrane between the muscles of the ribs, the air gi'adually diffuses 
Itself throu;jh all the contiguous parts ; and we have sometimes seen the 
whole body, and even the cellular membrane about the eye, inflated from 
■"bis cau5^. 



tiie diaphragm, and the muscles of the ribs aiidabdo- 
inea. It is supposed that the elasticity of the luiigs, 
or rather of the branches of the windpipe, materiaily 
contributes to this important action, in the sasne man- 
ner as a bottle of elastic gam, or Indian-rubber, tills 
itself either with air or water, from its great elasticity. 
If a small pipe or quill be tied to the mouth of one 
of those bottles, and tjie air pressed out by the hand ; 
as soon as the pressure is removed, the bottle will re- 
sume its original form, and consequently be,filled with 
air again. If the mouth of the bottle or the pipe be 
put into water after the air has been pressed out, on 
removing the pressure^ the bottle will be filled with 
^,yater,''^^ 



^t Of the Heart. 

The heart is placed nearly in the middle 0f the the 
rax : it is rather conical in its form, the apex inclining 
towards the left side ; its base attached to the bones 
of the back and ribs : it is loosely invested with a mem- 
brane or sac, termed j^encar^^iitm, vulgarly heart-ha^. 
This sac always contains a small €[uantity of fluids 
which serves to lubricate its internal surface, as well 
as the surface of the heart, to prevent their cohesion, 
and suffer them to move freely upon each other. Some- 
times this fluid accumulates, from a diseased action of 
the vessels which form it, to a considerable degree. — 
This kind of dropsy generally accompanies that of the 
chest. The heart is divided into two cavities, term- 
ed ventricles J each of them having a small hollow ap - 

* It has been supposed, that if an opening were made in the side so a;? 
-to admit the air into the chest, the lungs would collapse : I was induced 
therefore to make the following e;speriinent. 

I made an opening on both sides of a horse, so that I could introduce my 
§nger into the chest. A tube was then put into the openings, so as to give 
free admission to the air. The horse was kept in this state notrly half 'm 
U(xir wi^out apj5earing to suffer any inconvenience from it. 



peiidagej which from a slight resemblance it hears to 
a dog's eav; is named auricle. The blood-vessels pro- 
ceed from these cavities, the arteries from the ventri- 
cles, the veins from the auricles ; the former serving 
to carry the blood from the heart to every part of tJie 
body, for the puiposes of nourishment, secretion of 
the various juices, and stimulating the system to ac- 
tpon, as well as for furnishing the various parts with 
the vital principle ; the latter conveying back the blood, 
thus deprived of its essential parts, to the heart, that 
it may be renovated by circulating through the lungs, 
as we shall now describe more pajj-ticularly. When 
the left ventricle is full of blood, it contracts so pow- 
erfully as to force its contents into the aorta or grand 
artery, by which tlie blood is distributed all over the 
body ; it is then taken up by the veins, and conveyed 
by them into the ris:ht auricle, whence it flows into 
the viglut ventricle ;. this al^o, when it is sufficiently 
distended, contracts upon its contents, and propels 
the blood into the jmlmniiarij artery^ by Vv hich it is 
conveyed lo every part of the lungs. The iiidniona- 
ry veins then receive it, and convey it to tlie left au- 
ricle, whence it is propelled into the left ventricle, 
that it may again be disti'ibaccd by the aar^a to every 
part of the body. 

The blood is thus continually circulating tliroiigh 
the body ; asid this process may be considered as one 
of the most important actions that is performed in the 
animal machine. If it be stopped for a few seconds, 
all motion is suspended ; and if it be prevented a long- 
er time from going on, vitality is destroyed. The 
function of the lungs is of equal importance in the ani- 
mal economy, and cannot be stopped even for a short 
time, without suspending or totally destroying anima- 
tion. Ancient pliisiologists had a very imperfect idea 
of the manner in which these organs so essentially 
contribute! to the support of life : the moderns, how- 
ever, liave been more successful in their researches; 
they have discovered that the blood derives from the 



9 

*iir, wliich is taken into the liings^ the most important 
properties, without which it would be a useless vapid 
mass totally inadequate to the purposes for which it 
was designed. If we examine the blood in the left 
ventricle of the hearty and in the arteries it will be 
found of a bright scarlet colour, and replete with those 
properties which render it capable of nourishing the 
fjody, and stimulating the whole system to action : in 
the vfins it b&Comes of a much darker colour ; and 
when it arrives at the rigftt ventricle is nearly black, 
and destitute of those enlivening qualities which it 
possessed in the left ventricle. Had not the Deity 
then provided some mean^ for its renovation^ it would 
Iiave been quite uniit for a second circulation^ and the 
duration of life must Iiave been short indeed ; but from 
the right ventricle it is conveyed by the pulmonary 
artery to the lungs, at Urn moment they are distended 
with air : here the blood undergoes a wonderful alter- 
ation, it resumes its bright scarlet colour, and i^ re- 
turned by the pulmonary veins to the left side of the 
heart, with all its original and'^essential qualities re- 
stored to it. It is proper to observe, that there are 
valves placed in such situations, as effectually prevent 
the blood from taking a retrograde course. Were it 
not for this contrivance, the blood would as readily be 
forced into the left auricle as into the great artery ^ 
when the left ventricle^ which lies between them, 
contracts, or shrinks up ; and so of the other parts. 

Hence we may learn how important are the func- 
tions of respiration and the circulation of blood, how 
essential to the life of animals^ and kow dependent 
they are on each other. 



10 



Viscera of the Mdomen, 

Havins; finished our description of the thoracit: 
(Viscera, we proceed to notice those of the abdomen^ 
or belly; the first and most important of which is the 
stomach. Whatever this organ receives is conveyed 
to it by a long rauscalar tube, named oesopkagits, or 
gullet. The oesopliagus originates in the throat, where 
it's size is considerable, but it suddenly diminishes in- 
to a small tube, and is continued of the same size to 
the stomach : the upper part has been thought to re- 
..semble a funnel in its form, and is distinguished by 
the term jyharynx. 

The 'pharynx is situate immediately behind tlie la- 
rynxj or beginning of the windpipe ; but is not, like 
it cofdposed of strong cartilage or gristle : it is form- 
ed of membrane with a muscular covering, which by 
contracting forces the masticated food down the gullet^ 
or cesophagus. As it is absolutely necessary to breath- 
ing that the larynx should be always open, it is there- 
fore composed of strong cartilage^ whicli cannot easi- 
1}^, or by moderate pressure, be squeezed together 
and shut up : but this structure is not requisite in the 
pharynx, as it only requires to be opened occasionally ; 
and then the muscles of the tcngue are able to force 
food or water into it, while its own muscles continue 
to force the food or wp.ter downward, through the 
gullet into the stomach. We have before observed, 
that, while the food or water is passing over the tongue 
in the pharynx, it cannot fall into the windpipe, on 
account of its being covered by the valve ejngloitis, 
which is forced down upon the v/indpipe by the food, 
as it passes into the pharynx, so as to shut it complete- 
ly. If at this instant the animal happen to cough, 
that is, throw out air with considerable force from the 
lungs, the valve is for a moment opened by it, and a 
little of the food or water is liable to get into the wind- 
pipe, whence jit is soon expelled by violent coughing. 



li 

-The cesopliagus, having passed along the throat 
and back part of the chest, penetrates through the dia- 
phragm, and terminates in the stomach. 

The oesophagus of a horse has on its internal sur- 
face an insensible membrane, which stretches into the 
stomach, and lines nearly one lialf of its surface : this 
pecularity enables us to account in some measure for 
the inactivity of many violent poisons when given to 
the horse. In the human oesophagus, this membrane 
does not exist, the whole of its internal surface, as 
well as that of the stomach, being exquisitely sensible. 

If two grains of emetic tartar be swallewed by a 
man, they soon occasion violent vomiting ; whereas 
two hundred times that quantity would produce no 
sensible effect upon the horse. At the cardiac orifice, 
or that part where the oesophagus enters the stomach, 
its internal coat is so loose as to be thrown into folds, 
appearing as if it were designed as a valve to prevent 
ihe regurgitation of the contents of the stomach. From 
this cause, as well as from the insensibility of the 
membrane, with which great part of the stomach is 
lined, a horse very rarely vomits ; but the opinion that 
he is totally incapable of that action, is certainly not 
true, as I have once seen a horse vomit considerably. 
This vomiting came on spontaneously, and soon ceas- 
ed. There is no medicine we are acquainted with ca- 
pable of producing this action in the horse's stomach ; 
and its occurrence is very rare, this being the only 
case I ever saw : but I have been informed of two si- 
milar cases. 

When we examine the throat, another valvular 
structure may be observed, (which is peculiarly large 
in the horse) formed by the epiglottis or valve of the 
windpipe, and a membranous substance that hangs 
from the back part of the roof of the mouth : this is 
termed velum pendulum palati. These bodies form 
a very complete valve, which opens downward only, 
thereby preveatiog the return of any thing througli 



IS 

the viouihf either from the Iniigs or stomach t thus we 
find thtat a horse hreathes only throii2;h his nose, ex- 
cept in coui^liing, by w hich the valve is so deranged as 
to allow the air^ so thrown out from the lungs, to pass 
through the mouth. 

In the case of vomitting I have just mentioned, the 
contents of the stomach were at first observed to pass 
througli the nose ; at lengtli, by a violent cough, the . 
valve was deranged, and a considerable quantity of fiu-f 
id, mixed with masticated hay and oats, was cvacuat- < 
cd by the mouth. 

That part of the stomach where the oesophagus ter- 
minates is called the cardiac orifice ; and that where 
the intestines begin is termed pylorus. 

The intestines or bowells consist of one very long 
tube, which terminates at the amis. 

In the horse the intestines measure nearly thirty 
yards : but being convoluted in order to adapt them to- 
the cavity in which they are placed, they have the aj)^l 
pearance of several distinct parts. I 

The internal surface of a horse's intestines are not 
lined with that insensible membrane w hich is found in 
(esophagus and upper part of the stomach ; on the con- 
trary, it is endued with a high degree of scnsi!)ility, 
and a|)pears to be more susceptihle of irritation than 
that of most other animals. From this irritability of 
the intestines it is, tliat many horses have been des- 
troyed by the administration of strong purgatives, and 
hence arises the necessity of using these medicines 
with skill and caudon. 

The intes'inal tube is not, throughout its whole ex- 
tent, of a uniform size : that part next the stomach is 
rather small, and continues for about twenty yards 
nearly of the same diameter: it then becomes very 
large, but again diminishes before its termination at 
the anus. 

Anatomists, in describing the intestinal canal, di* 
vide it into two parts, viz, tlie small and the large in- 
testines ; these are subdivided, the former into diw- 



13 

(kmuM, jejuntim, and ileum; the latter iuio eoiCdm^ 
colon, diWiii rectum. . w , • 

All the internal surface of tlic intestinal tube is co- 
vered with a mucous substance, for the purpose of de- 
fending it from the action of acrimonious bodies. The 
various c.mvolutions of the intestines are held together 
by a nembrane called mesentery, which not only 
serves this purpose, but affords also a bed for the lac- 
teals, or those small vessels by which the nutritious 
parts of the food are coveyed to tlie heart, to be con- 
verted into blood. Before we proceed to a particular 
description of these vessels, it will be necessary to ex- 
plain the process of nutrition. . . , , , 

W hen food is taken into the mouth, it is broken down 
])V the teeth, and so mixed with saliva, as to be in a 
proper state for entering the stomach : it is tlien, by the 
united action of the tongue and muscles of the throat, 
forced into tiie ccsophagus, whence it passes into the 
stomach. In this organ it undergoes a considerable 
alteration ; for here Nature has provided a curious li- 
quid called gistrk juice, which has the property of 
dissolving every thing that is taken into the stomach, 
and of coverting it into a soft pulpy mass, of a uni- 
form and homogeneous appearance. Wlien the food 
has been thus altered, the mass is forced by a con- 
traction of the stomach into the duodenum, or first 
part of the intestinal canal. This mass, however, does 
not consist wholly of nutritive parts or such as are fit 
for the formation of blood ; and another operation is 
uecessary in order to separate them from such as are 
useless : this seems to be effected by the bile and pan- 
creatic juice.* ..,.11 
There is a peculiarity, however, m the stomach and 
intestines of the horse, which it is proper here to des- 
cribe. The stomach of the horse is small m propor- 
tion to his general bulk, and has nearly half of iti m- 

* This oiJinionhas been proved by theexperimentsof Mr Astlev Coop-' 
er, lecturer on anaton^y and sur^'ery, and assi3laut bui-geaa ot St. 1 Iiouius ^, 
hosplt?i, _ 



Hi 

aer surface covered with a strong insensible membrane 
of a white colour. This is the part to which botts are 
generally attached, which explains why these worms 
so often exist in the stomach without doing any mis- 
chief. This insensible membrane is supposed also to 
enable the stomach to press upon the solid fuod it may 
contain, and assist the gastric juice in reducing it to 
a soft mass : but digestion is far from being perfect 
in the stomach of the liorse, and appears to be com- 
pleted in the large intestines, coecum and colon. This 
contrivance seems absolutely necessary in the horse^ 
"when we consider the wonderful speed and exertion 
of which he is capable, and for which Nature appears 
to have designed him. The ox, the sheep, and other 
ruminant animals, have four large stomachs, the small- 
est of which even in the sheep, is as large as that of 
the horse. These animals take in a large quantity 
of food at once, and digest it at their leisure, from 
which they feel no inconvenience : but the horse, 
even in a state of nature, is differently employed.— 
Rapidity of motion and strength are necessary to 
liis preservation ; and in his domesticated state it 
is more particularly required. Hence, he is form- 
ed with a small stomach, which requires frequent 
supplies, and is no impediment to his exertions. — 
From this will appear the absurdity of keeping. 
a horse a considerable time without food or wa- 
ter, and then suffering him to take in a large quanti- 
ty : incurable and even fatal diseases have arisen from 
this management. In the ox and sheep, digestion is 
completed in the fourth stomach. 

The three first stomachs are connected with each 
other, and with a groove-like continuation of the oeso- 
phagus. The groove is then continued to, and ter- 
minates in, the fourth stomach : the thick prominent 
lips which form the edges of this groove admit of 
being dra^n together so as to form a complete canaK 

The two first stomachs are connected with each 
other, and with a groove-like contiuuatioaof thPCBso- 



15 

pbagus. This groove terminates in the tbird stomach i 
the thick prominent lips Avhich form the margin of this 
groove admit of being drawn together, so as to form % 
complete canal, which then constitutes a direct con- 
tinuation of the cesophagus into the third stomach.— 
The grass or food after a slight mastication is takea 
into the first stomach, or paunch from whence it pass- 
es in small portions into the second stomach, to under- 
go a further maceration : it is then returned through 
the oesophagus into the mouth to be ruminated. Whem 
the ruminated food is swallowed, the groove is shut, 
so that it passes directly into the third stomachy where 
it is further prepared for digestion, and tlien jmsses 
into the fourth stomach, in whicli the process of di* 
gestion is completed. 

The horse, in a state of nature, is almost constant- 
ly feeding; and the food which he takes in, is retain- 
ed but a sliort time in the stomach ; digestiop seems 
to be going on nearly through the whole of the intes- 
tines, and appears to be chiefly effected in the caecum^ 
or blind gut, which in the horse is remarkably large 
and capacious. From these curious contrivances, the 
hoi'se's stomach is never so loaded with food as to 
hinder the action of the lungs, and impede his veloci- 
ty. It must be confessed, however that this does 
sometimes happen ; not from the natural incliuatioD 
of the animal, but from the folly, negligence, or cruel- 
ty, of his keeper. I have been the more particular 
in describing the stomach, as the subject is connected 
with, and m ill tend to elucidate, some important dis- 
eases. 

The bile is formed by the liver, a large glandular 
body, divided into several lobes, and situate imme- 
diately behind the diaphragm, to which it is firmly at^ 
tached. The form of the liver is too well known to 
require a particular description ; we have only to ob- 
serve, therefore, that the bile, which it secretes, is con- 
veyed by the Jiepatic duct into the duodenum, within 
three or^four inches of its origin. In man, and the 



16 

greater part of quadrupedp, all the bile does not flow 
immediately into the intestine, there being a small 
vessel connected witji the hepatic duct, which conveys 
a certain portion into a sac that is attached to the 
liver, and called the js;all-hladdery whence it is occa- 
sionally expelled : but this d6e« not exist in the 
)iorse. 

From what we have just said of the peculiarity in 
the digestive organs of the iiorse, the reason of liis 
having no gall-bladder will readily appear. In man, 
and manv animals, the food is retained a considerable 
time in the stomach ; during which the bilious fluid, 
or gall is not wanted ; therefore Nature has provided 
a reservoir, the gall-bladder ; for as the bile is con- 
stantly forming by the liver, so would it be as con- 
stantly flowing into the first intestine, were it not for 
the gall-bladder, which would have occasioned a 
great waste of this useful fluid. During the tine of 
digestion, the food is shut up in the stomach, the py- 
lorus being closed, and the first intestine empty. The 
orifice of the duct which conveys the bile into this in- 
testine being without its usual stimulus, the dige-jted 
food, becomes torpid ; and, as the action of the whole 
duct depends upon its orifice being stimulated, the 
bile, instead of passing through it, flows into the gall- 
bladdiv,.^ wiiere it remains until the digestive process 
is so far completed, that the flood begins to flow from 
the stomacli into the intestine. The biliary duct is 
then stimulated to action ; the gall-bladder partakes 
of the irritation ; and assisted by the pressure of the 
distended intestine, contracts upon its contents, and 
forces the bile through the duct, into the intestine, 
where it mingles with the digested food, and causes 
a separation of the chyle, or nutritious parts. 

It must be obvious, that, as the horse is almost con- 
stantly feeding, and as digestion is continually going 
on in his stomach and intestines, that a constant flow 
jof bile is necessary, and therefore that a gall-bladder 
would be useless, perhaps injurious. 



±7 

H^ he pancreas is also a glandular body, and secretes 
a fluid somewhat resembling saliva which is convey- 
ed by the pancreatic duct into the duodenum, at the 
same place where the hepatic duct enters. When 
these fluids (the bile and pancreatic juice) are j)>.iicd 
into the intestine, they mingle witlithe mass of digest- 
ed food which has been expelled from the skimsu h, 
and separate from it all those essential parts which are 
fit to be converted into blood : this process is termed 
chylincation. We have before .observed, wJien des- 
cribing the mesentery, or that membrane by which the 
intestines are held togetiier, that an immense number 
of small delicate vessels are spread over its surface, 
named lacteals, from their containg a llnid wiii :ii in 
its appearance resembles milk. This iluid Cfinsists 
in fact of the essential parts of tlm food proceeding to 
the heart, in order to he converted into blood. All i"i)e 
lacteal s open into the intestines, and cover the whole 
of their internal surface, where they are alv/?tys dis- 
posed to absorb the nutritious parts of the foiul in its 
passage througli the intestinal casial. Borne physi- 
ologists suppose, that tlie mouths of tlie lacteals have 
the power of selectins; such parts of the food as are fit 
to be converted into blood, that no previ^uis separation 
takes place, and that the bile serves o?dy as a natural 
purgative, constantly stimalatiu2;the intcs-ines, tlicre- 
by keeping up asmaU degree of motion m theai, and 
promotiog the expulsion of the feculent parts of the 
food. 

It wil probably be asked, how it is that the mass 
of food passes through the intestines, since they are 
so convo.uted that it cannot possibly be efiV^;ted by 
the power of gravity ? but if we examine their struct- 
ure, tliis phenomenon may be readily explained. The 
intestines are composed, in great measure, of in u sen- 
lar fibres, some of wliich run in a circular, and others 
in a longitudinal direction: when the circiilar fibres 
contract, the diameter of the canal is diminished; and 
when the longitudinal fil>res «^re in action, it becomef^ 



18 

charter ; find by the combined action of these iibre*;. 
the food is gradiialy [Jiopelled throa2;h the whole 
lenii;lh of the intestinal canal. The motion thus exci- 
ted may be distinctly seen in an animal recently kill- 
ed and in some it continues a considerable time after 
death. The intestine, however, is not entirely com- 
posed of muscular fibres; its internal surface is lined 
with a fine nervous and vascular membrane, which is 
endued with exquisite sensibility, and has the power 
of forming on its surface a mucous substance, v/hich 
serves to protect it from the action of acrimonious bo- 
dies. Beside the muscular and nervous coat, there is 
another which enters into the composition of the intes- 
tine : this is a thin membrane called peritonceum. The 
peritonaeum not only forms the third and external coat, 
it likewise envelops all the organs contained in the 
abdomen, forming their external coat, and is closely 
connected with tliem, and is then so reflected as to 
form a kind of sac, in which they are all enclosed. — 
Thus are the intestines composed of three coats, which 
are closely in contact with each other 5 the peritonseal 
the muscular, and the nervous coat. 

We have yet to describe the course of the lacteals^ or 
fliose vessels which take up the chyle or nutritious 
parts of the food. We have before observed tliat 
they are spread upon the mesentery, whence they pass 
on toward the spine, becoming larger and less numerous 
in their progress ; at length they terminate in a large 
tube, which runs along the spine, a>id is named the 
ihoracic duct: this pours its contents into a large vein 
near the heart, to which part it is immediately after 
conveyed, and converted into blood. 

The kidneys are two glandular bodies, situate with- 
in the loins ; thelv office is to separate urine from the 
blood. The uvine, thus separated, is conveyed by 
two tubes of considerable length, termed ureters^ into 
the bladder, Avhich is composed of three coats, like 
those of the intestine ; and when it has received a suf- 
ficient quantity of urine to stimulate its muscular fibres 



into action, it contracts upon the mine, and forces if 
out through the urethra, our urinary canal. We have 
now iinishecl or sketch of the abdoiiiinal and thoracic 
viscera ; which has been given with a view to render 
the description we are about to give of internal disease- 
es more intelligible to those readers who are unac- 
quainted with anatomy, than it would other wi>sc have 
been. 



CHAPTER 11. 

Inflammation^ 

IT was supposed by the celebrated Eoerbaav^, 
and other physiologists of his time, that inflammation 
depended on a viscidity of the blood, which render- 
ed it unlit for circulating in the finer vessels ; and that 
hence arose obstructions, and those appearances by 
which the disease is characterised. This opinion, 
however, has obtained very little credit w ith modern 
physiologists, and is now universally rejected ; it hav- 
ing been proved, that blood drawn from an animal la- 
bouring under inflammation is more fluid, and remains 
fluid longer, than that which is taken from the same 
animal when in liealth. 

The most prevailing opinion at present respecting 
inflammation is, I believe, that it consists in an increas- 
ed action of tbe heart and arteries, when general ^ 
whereby the blood circulates with unusual velocity, 
throwing the whole system into derangement; and 
when locals or existing in a particular part,* the in* 

* In local inflammation, though the larger arteries of the part have their 
action increased, it is probable <hat their small brandies, which from their 
minute size are termed capillary arteries, are in a state of debility, and dis- 
tended with blood, which they are incapable of }>'ettuii< rid of: the lai-ger 
arteries, acting with unusaal strength and quickness, will of courie fdrce a 



so 

creased action is in like manner confined to the vessels 
of that part. 

When a partis inflamed, there arises in it an unusu- 
al degree of heat, generally attended with considera- 
ble tension and swelling ; the sensibility and irrita- 
bility are always increased, and produced by it in 
piirts where it did not before exist. In bones and 
tendons, for example, scarcely any sensibility can be 
perceived when they arc in a state of health ; but 
VI hen ihjliimed, it is roused to au alarming degree, and 
the most dangerous consequences may ensue from it. 

Inflammation has four modes of termination : the 
first is termed resolution ; that is, v,'hen the disease, 
after going a certain length, gradually disappears 
again : the second, suppuration ; that is, when mat- 
ter is formed, or an abscess produced : the tliird is 
named e^'usion, which implies an extravasation either 
of blood, coagvilablc lymph, or serum : and the fourth, 
gangrene or mortification, by which is meant the death 
of the inflamed part. 

Inflammation of the external parts is generally oc- 
casioned by some mechanical injury, such as w ounds 
bruises, ^c. sometimes, however, it arises from inter- 
nal inflammation, or symptomatic fever, and is then 
to be considered as an effort of nature to cure the in- 
ternal disease. Thus we sometimes find in fevers ab- 
scesses taking place on the surface of the body, where- 
by the fever is considerably diminished, and, in gen- 
eral, terminates favouvabiy. 

greater quantity of blood thun usual into these delicate vessels, so as to 
Stretch them beyond their tone, and render them inci.pable of contracting 
%ipon their contents. This accounts for spelling, heat, and redness of au 
iuP.amedpart. and shows the utility of bUeding by leeches on such occa- 
sions ; as these 'Wotitis attack only the capillary arteries, di'awing off the su- 
perfluous blood, asid enabling them to recover their strength, and contract 
as before. This doctrine points out also tiie eiucacy of general bleeding, 
and purging, in local inflamraation, \viiiclj tend to moderate the action of 
the larger arteries, and cause them to pour no more biood into their minute 
branches than tliey are capable of forcing into their terminations — the 
veins. We thotiglit it proper to say thus much of the theory of irvHamma- 
tion, as it may lead to a better practice than is commonly adopted in treat- 
ing the inflammatory complaints of horses. 



M 

luilanimation IS often produced by plethora, ov re- 
dundancy of blood in the body ; in which case it is 
sometimes general^ the whole arterial system having 
its action increased : tbis also may be considered as 
an effort of nature to get rid of the superfluous blood, 
and in such cases she must be assisted by copious 
bleeding. It more commonly happens, however, that 
the redundant blood is determined to some particular 
part, occasioning local inflammation ; very frequently 
falling upon some of the internal organs, and the lungs 
are peculiarly liable to suffer: from this source, in- 
deed, their most dangerous fevers arise. The eyes 
also are very apt to suffer when a horse becomes ple« 
thoric, to whicli cause, I believe, almost all the dis« 
seases of that delicate organ maybe attributed. 

In the treatment of external inflammation, v/e should 
endeavour to bring it to the most favourable termina- 
tion, that is resolution; unless wKen it arises from an 
effort of nature to cure some internal disease ; — ^it is 
then desirable to bring it speedily to suppuration. — 
The remedies to be employed for resolving inflamma- 
tion are, local or general bleeding, (see Tndex^ Bleed- 
ing) purgatives, fomentations, poultices, or the satur- 
nine lotion ; otlier cold applications have been used 
with success, such as sal ammoniac dissolved in vine- 
gar, goulard, &c. 

. When inflammation takes place in tendinous parts 
or joints, the saturnine poultice has been found an use- 
ful remedy, and in the latter case I have often found 
blisters extremely eflicacious. As in these cases the 
inflammation generally proves more troublesome, and 
and as the pain which it occasions is often so consid- 
erable as to produce symptomatic fever, it becomes 
necessary to employ, without loss of time, the most 
prompt and efficacious means for its reduction.* With 
this view, we excite artificial inflammation in the con- 
tiguous skin and cellular membrane, which are parts 

* See Wounds o/Joinis, Append.Ix. 



of far less importance in the animal economy than 
joints or tendons, and capable of bearing a considera- 
ble degree of inflammation without much inconveni- 
ence to the animal ; this is done by means of rowels, 
and blisters, and the inflammation thus excited, will 
tend in a considerable degree to diminish that which i^ 
going on in the more important part. Should we fail in 
our endeavours to resolve inflammation, it will probably 
terminate in suppuration ; and when it appears that 
the disease does not abate by the use of the remedies 
we have recommended, an assiduous application of 
fomentations and poultices will expedite the suppura- 
tive process, and afford great relief to the animal. — 
When the inflammation, or rather the swelling which 
it occasions, arrives at this state, it is termed an ab- 
scess, in which when the suppuration is complete, and 
it contains matter, a fluctuation may be felt, upon its 
being pressed by i^o Angers alternately This point 
being ascertained?, an opening is to be made with a 
lancet or knife, in such a wav that the matter may be 
completely evacuated, and a future accumulation pre- 
vented : it is then to be dressed with digestive lini- 
ment or ointment. Simuld tlie wound appear indis- 
posed to heal when this treatment has been pursued 
for a short time, discharging a thin offensive matter, 
and wanting that red appearance by Avhich the heal- 
ing process is indicated, the detergent lotion will soon 
remove these unfavourable appearances ; the discharge 
will become v»hiter and thicker, and red granulations 
of new flesh will sprout up. Shoqld these granula» 
tions, however, become luxuriant, constituting what is 
commonly termed proud flesh, they are to be kept 
down by means of the caustic powder. It sometimes 
happens, that when a part is inflamed and svkoln, in- 
stead of going on to sup])uration, it degenerates into 
a hard and almost in-^-ensihle tumour : thi?; depends on 
the inflammation having terminated in fjfiislon of co- 
agulable lymph, and is to be removed by stimulating 
embrocations or blisters. 



SB 

When inflammation runs very high, as is sometimes 
the case in violent bruises, or deep and extensive 
wounds of the lacerated kind, it may terminate in 
gangrene or mor till cation, which is generally attend- 
ed with danger : in this case, the matter discharged, 
instead of being wliite and thick, conists of a dark co- 
loured fluid, of a peculiar offensive smell; the consti- 
tution is generally affected, the pulse becoming quick^ 
weak, and sometimes irregular ; the appetite goes off 5 
and there is a great degree of debility.* 

When any of the internal parts are inflamed, a 
fever is generally produced, the violence of which will 
depend upon the importance of the inflamed organ, as 
well as upon the extent and degree of the inflamma- 
tion ; some of the internal parts being more essential 
to life than others, and, when inflamed, occasioning of 
course greater derangement in the system. The only 
favourable termination, to which internal inflammation 
can be brought, is resolution ; and the most vigorous 
measures should be adopted in order to effect it. The 
most important remedy in these cases is copious ])leed- 
ing, and the earlier it is employed the more effectual 
v/ill it prove ; the next remedy is external inflama- 
tion, artificially excited by means of rowels and blis- 
ters. The fever powder, and occasional clysters, are 
of considerable service. 

CHAPTER in. 

Fever, 

THE fevers of horses hear very little analogy t^ 
those of the human body, and require a different 
treatment. Writers on farriery have described a great 
Variety of fevers, but their observations appear td have 

• €lee incerated and Contused W^uiuk, Appcndijt 



been drawn from the w orks of medical autLors, ami 
tjieir rcasoiiiiig seems entirely aiialogical. I can dis- 
tinguish only two kinds of fever, the one. an idiopa- 
thic or original disease^ and therefore properly term- 
ed simple ; the other dependent on internal in it anima- 
tion, and very justly denominated syrdpti/lnatic fever. 
For example, if the lungs, bowels or ^tomacb were 
inflamed, the whole system would he thro'v^n into^lis- 
order, and a symptomatic fever produced : hut if a 
collapse of the perspiring vessels happetj to take place, 
the blood will accumulate in the interior parts of the 
body ; and though inflammation is wot produced by 
it, the unequal distribution of the biood alone will oc- 
casion tliat derangement in the system which consti- 
tutes the simple fever.* The simple fever does not 
occur so frequently as the symptomatic, nor is it by 
any means so formidable in its appearance ; yet it is 
necessary to give it the earliest attention, for un- 
less nature receives timely assistance, she will be 
sometimes unable to get rid of the load which oppress- 
es her; and the blood will accumulate in the interior 
part of the body, until inflammation in some of the 
viscera is produced and a dangerous disease establish- 
ed. The following are symptoms of simple fever : 
— shivering, succeeded by loss of appetite, dejected 
appearance, quick pulse, hot mouth, and some degree 
of debility : the horse is generally costive, and vcids 
his urine with difficulty. The disease is often accom- 
panied with quickness of breathing, and in a few cas- 
es with pain in the bowels, or symptoms of colic. 

As soon as a horse is attacked by this disease, let 
him be bled freely ; and if costiveneness be one of the 
symptoms, give a pint of castor oil, or the oil of ol- 
ives ; and let a clyster of warm water-gruel be inject- 

• Fever is often preceded, or rother commences with shivering, from 
which circumstance it se» ras reasonable to infer, that an interruption of 
the functions of the skin is eitJicr a cause cf fever, or materially connect^ 
ed with it. 



25 - 

ed.^ A?ter the epcfation of the laxative, the fevei^- 
powder is to be given once in twelve hours, and con- 
tinued until its diuretic effect becomes consideralde. 
Warm vrater and mashes are to be frequently ojffered 
in small quantities ; v/arm clothing, frequent hand- 
rubbing, and a liberal allowance of litter are also ne- 
cessary ; and wlien the fever runs high, it is advisea- 
bleto insert rowels about the chest and ^>elly, in or- 
der to prevent internal inflammation from taking place. 
When the disease appears to be going off, the horse 
looking more lively, and the appetite returning, let 
him be led out for a short time in some v/arm situa- 
tion, and give now and then a malt mash for the pur* 
pose of recovering his strength. 

rEVER-POWDER. 

No. 1. 

Powdered nitre^ - - - 1 oz. 

Camphor and tartarised antimony, 7 ^ , 

of each ^ ^ 

jMix for one dose. 

No. 2. 

. Powdered nitre, - - - 1 oz. 

Unwashed calx of antimony, -? 3 dr. */ 

Mix for one dose. 



No. 



Oi 



Antimonial powder, - - - 3 dr* 

Camphor, - - - - 1 dr. 

Mix for one dose. 

* I have lately found the following drink a very useful laxative on these 
occasions : — 

TAkr of Barbadoes aloes powdered, - - 3 dfams. 

Pre pared kali, - - ... 1 dram and |., 

Castor oil, - - - - - *. 4 oz. to 6 oz. 

Sdinple mint water and pure water, of each, * 4 oz. 

Mix for one dose» 

8 



S6 

The additions made by tlie author to this subject 
moj- be found in the Appendix. 



Symjptomatic Fever, 

The symptomatic fever is generally occasioned by 
high feeding, close stables^ and a want of p "oper ex- 
ercise : sometimes^ Iiowever, a sudden transition from 
a cold to a hot temperature is evidently the cause of 
it. In this respect it is different from the simple fe- 
ver, which, as before observed, sometimes arises from 
exposing a horse suddenly to cold air, when he has 
been accustomed to a warm stable. Horses tliat arc 
taken from camp or grass, and put suddenly into 
warm stables, are extremely liable to those internal 
inflammations on which symptomatic fever depends, 
and many thousands have fallen victims to this kind 
of treatment. 

When a fever is symptomatic, it is not perceived 
by shivering, nor is it so sudden in its attack as the 
simple fever:- but when it is not subdued by an ear- 
ly application of remedies, the symptoms gradually 
increase in violence, until they present a very formid- 
able appearance. When the disease however, is oc- 
casioned by great and long continued exertion, it gen- 
erally comes on suddenly ; and the complaint has ^fl 
very dangerous appearance in its earliest stage. 

The symptomatic fever has many symptoms in com- 
mon with the simple fever, which are loss of appe- 
tite, quick pulse, dejected appearance, hot mouth, and 
debility ; and if to these be joined difficulty of breatli- 
ing, and quick working of the flanks, with coldness 
of the legs and ears, we may conclude that an inflam- 
mation of the lungs is the cause of the fever. If the 

• Fever that ( om'nences with shivering, has often terminated in a fatal 
inflanriroatioa of ihe lang-s, when neglected or iin^;roper]y treated. 



^7 

fiorseliang dowii liis head in the manger, or lean back 
upon Ills colhir with a strong appearance of being drow- 
sy, the eyes appearing watery and inflamed, it is pro- 
bable that the fever depends upon an accnmnlation 
of blood in the vessels of the brain, and that the stag- 
gers are approaching : in this case, liowever, the pulse 
is not always quicl^ened ; sometimes; indeed, I have 
found it 11 n usually slow.^ 

When the symptoms offerer are joined with a yel- 
lowness Cf the eyes and mouth, an inflammation of 
the liver is indicated. Should an inflummation of the 
bowels be tlie cause, the horse is violently griped.-— 
An inflammation of the kidneys will also produce fe- 
ver, and is distinguished by a suppression of urine 
and an inability to l)ear ])ressiire upon tlie loins. — 
When inflammation of the bladder is the cause, the 
horse is frerjuently staling, voiding only very small 
qnantltles of urine, and that with considerable pain. 
JExtensive wounds, and particularly those of joints, 
will also produce symptomatic fever. Sometimes se- 
veral of the internal parts are inflamed at the same in- 
stant : and indeed when inflammation has existed for 
a considerable length of time, it is seldom confined to 
the organ in which it originated ; the disease spreads 
to other viscera ; and when more than one organ is in- 
flamed the symptom will generally be complicated i 
still, however the essential remedies are the same, 
that is to say, copious and early bleeding, with row- 
els, &c. 

Having now given a general descrij^lion of symp- 
tomatic fever, I shall proceed to treat of those cases 
separately to which above I have briefly alluded. 

* Nearly the same symptoms are produced, Mhen the stomacli is oppres- 
sed or loaded, and incapable of dig'esting' its cr)ntenLs. See AVc/^^vrs aiid 
Diseases nf the Stomach, Appendi.v. 



CHAPTER IV. 

On Injliimmation of the Lungs-. 

THIS is a disease, wliicli requires the most prompt 
and efficacious treatment; for, so rapid is its progress 
in the liorse^ that, unless checked at an early period^ 
it generally proves fatal. Inflammation of the lungs 
is sometimes preceded by sliivering ; soon after, the 
horse appears dull, and refuses his food. Hebreathesr 
tjuickly, wliich is seen by the motion of the flanks. 
The pulse is unusually quick, beating from sixty to 
eighty in a minute ; whereas, in health, it is only about 
forty. On lifting up the eyelid, the membrane un- 
derneath will generally be found very red. If pro- 
per remedies be not employed, the disease rapidly 
increases ; the breathing becomes quicker and more 
laborious, the pulse increases in frequency, and is more 
difficult to be felt in the arteries ; but, by applying the 
hand to the left side, near the elbow, the pulsation of the 
heart will be distinctly felt; the legs and ears become 
cold ; and in two or three days, the animal dies. The 
treatment commonly pursued by farriers often protracts 
the disorder, so that the horse lives several days, or 
«a week. They generally lake off a moderate quan- 
tity of blood, which all\)rds some relief, and give some 
stimulating or inert medicine, in the form of what they 
term a comfortable drink. The bleeding is often re- 
peated, in small quantity, the second day, and some- 
times the third : this prevents the disease from pro- 
ceeding so rapidly as it otherwise would ; and, when 
the horse dies, we generally find a large quantity of 
yellowish fluid in the chest. 

The only remedy to be depended upon in this dis- 
ease is copious bleeding wliicli most be repeated in 



m 

six hours, if the symptoms do not abate. Blistering 
the sides, rowelling the chest, and giving the follow- 
ing ball, may be useful auxiliaries ; but bleeding is 
the essential remedy. As to the quantity of blood 
necessary to be drawn, we are to be guided by the 
effect it produces ; that is, the bleeding, should it be 
found necessary, is to be governed by the same rule ; 
but it is probable, that faintness will ther be produced 
by a smaller evacuation. 

After blistering the sides, give the following ball, 
which is to be repeated every morning and evening, 
until the horse's staling is considerably increased.— 
One ball daily wHl then be sufficient. Clysters are 
to be injected morning and evening, consisting of one 
gallon of warm Avater, half a pound of salt, and four 
ounces of olive oil. A cool stable, properly ventila- 
ted, is essentially necessary. In summer, horses have 
been turned out apparently with good effect. Wheu 
the horse begins to feed, grass or bran maslies will be 
most proper for him. He must be brought to Ins usu 
al diet very gradually. 

There is a disease, which is generally considered 
as inflammation of the lungs, and prevails most com 
monly in the spring of the year, particularly among 
young horse. It differs, however, ia some respects, 
from that disease ; and, if improperly treated, often 
terminates fatally. On opening the bodies of such 
horses, the lungs will be found to have suffered muck 
from inflammation, and there will be a large quanti- 
ty of yellow fluid in the cliest. It may be inferred 
from these appearances, that the same copious bleed- 
ing we have just described w ould be necessary in iliese 
cases also. Experience, liowever, has taught me, 
that, though bleeding is highly necessary at the com- 
mencement of tlie disorder ; yet, when it is repeated 
with freedom, after considerable debility has Ukqu 
place, and this very soon happens^ death is commoiilj 
the consequence. 



30 

I would distinguish this disease by the name of 
catirrhal inUamniation of the lungs ; for, though these 
organs are always found highly diseased in horses, 
that die of this disorder, it is probable, that the parts 
principally alTected, are the membranes line the wind- 
pipe and throat : this is often relieved by a copious 
discharge of mucus, resembling matter, which is dis- 
charged thrcr.gh the nostrils ; but by improper treat-' 
ment, and, in some cases, under the best management, 
the inflammation gradually spreads to the lungs and 
proves fatal. 

This catarrhal inflammation of the lungs differs from 
that we have before described, in being accompanied 
with a weak cough, and a tendency to discharge from 
the nose. The pulse, at the commencement of the 
disease, is not very quick ; sometimes not more fre- 
quent than in health } but it is generally weak, and 
not readily felt. The eyes often appear dull ; and in 
some cases the throat is sore, so as to cause difficulty 
in swallowing. Bleeding is generally proper at the 
commencement of this disorder ; but if, after the ope- 
ration, the pulse is found to be quicker, and more fee- 
ble ; and particularly if, when the horse is taken out 
of the stable, ho appears very weak, which is easily 
perceived by his manner of walking, appearing to ram- 
ble in his hind parts, and moving his legs slowly and 
languidly : under such circumstances, it is probable, fll 
that the bleeding was improper, and that, by repeating ^| 
it, the disease would terminate fatally. I 

That epidemic disease, which has at times raged 
among horses, and is commonly called the distemper, 
very nearly resembles that which we are now describ- 
ing, and was generally cured by the treatment I am 
about t© recommend for this disorder. The only cri- 
terion by which we determine whether bleeding is ne- 
cessary or not, and to what extent it may be carried 
with safety, is the state of pulse, and the appearance 
of the horse when taken from the stable : when con- 



31 

siderable debility is indicated by his manner of walk- 
ing, a corresponding weakness will generally be found 
in the pulse: under these circumstances, bleeding would 
certainly do mischief. But, when the horse is tolera- 
bly firm in his walk ; the pulse quick, and though 
small, yet hard, that is, w hen the finger placed on the 
artery is struck rather sharply ; and the under surface 
of the eyelid appears red ; copious bleeding^ is un- 
doubtedly proper. When the disease does not abate 
in consequence of bleeding, the propriety of repeating 
the operation must be determined by the state of the, 
pulse and tlie ani naPs strength. The ball, that is 
recommended in the former complaint, may be given 
in this also, twice a day, so as to keep up considera- 
ble staling ; but if the horse appears weak, and pulse 
is not very frequent, two drams of powdered cascaril- 
la should be added to each ball. If there should be 
any diffiiculty of sw- allow in g, the throat should be blis- 
tered ; the sides also should be extensively blistered ^ 
a discharge from the nose should be encouraged, by 
steaming the head, that is by putting hot bran mashes 
into the manger. In summer, grass may be giv- 
en ; and in fine weather he may be turned out 
during the day, particularly when he appears to 
be recovering. When there is considerable weakness, 
good gruel should be given several times a day. Un- 
der this treatment the horse generally recovers. 

THE BALL. 

Powdered nitre, - - - 6 dr. 

Camphor, . - - - 1 dr. 

Sirup and linseed meal enough to form a ball. 



B^'' 



CHAPTER V. 

Inflammation of the Boicels.. 

THE horse's bowels are very susceptible of in- 
flammation ; and, when inflamed, unless speedy re- 
lief be afforded, the disease generally terminates in 
death. Inflammation of the bowels may arise from 
various causes. The following, I believe, are those 
by which it is generally produced : 1. Drhiking free- 
ly of cold water, when heated by violent exercise, par- 
ticularly when such exercise has been continued some 
time : 2, Exposure to cold or rain, under the same 
circumstances : 3. Spasm of the bowels, or flatulent 
colic : 4. Improper doses of purgative medicine. 

To the two first causes post and stage-coach horses 
are most exposed : they are not only likely to suffer 
from standing at tlie door of a public house, in cold 
stormy weather ; for, if they escape from this, they arc 
plunged immediately after their return, into the near- 
est river or pond. Many horses, it is true, suffer tliis 
without injury; but that it sometimes causes inflam^ 
mation of the bowels, and other diseases, cannot I be- 
lieve, be disputed. When inflammation of the bow- 
els is thus produced, it is often preceded by shivering ; 
the horse then becomes dull, and refuses his food ; the 
pulse is considerably more frequent than in health ; the 
breathing also is disturbed, the flanks moving more 
quickly than usual ; the under surface of the eyelid is 
red ; and the animal appears very uneasy, often look- 
ing round to his flanks, as if he were pointing out the 
seat of his pain ; tlie urine is high coloured, and in 
small quantity ; the dung also is of a dark colom*, and 
unusually hard. These symptoms rapidly increase; 
he lies down, and rolls about the stall ; after a short 
time, he rises suddenly, but soon lies down again, and 
rolls as before; the breathing becomes more laljori- 



33 

cftis 5 the pulse so quick and small, that it cannot bfe 
distinctly felt ; violent sweats break out upon the bo- 
dy ; but the legs and ears are cold ; and sometimes he 
becomes delirious. These symptoms are soon follow- 
ed by death. In some cases, the animal appears to 
be relieved, and is more quiet, a short time before he 
dies, which probably depends on mortification having 
taken place in the bowels. This disease is very ra- 
pid in its progress, and, unless checked at its first ap- 
pearance, or soon after, generally proves fatal. Co- 
pious bleeding is the grand remedy, and should be 
carried to the same extent, as in inflammation of the 
lungs. The sides should be blistered, and the mus- 
tard embrocation rubbed upon the surface of the bel- 
ly. The legs and ears should be kept warm, by 
rubbing them fi^quently, and, in the interval; wrap- 
ping them in woollen cloth. 

The only medicine lo be given, internally, is castor 
oil, the dose a pint, which is to be repeated in six 
hours, unless the costiveness is previously I'^moved : 
clysters, composed of warm water and a little olive 
oil, are to be given, every second or third hour, until 
the dung becomes soft. Inflarmnation of the bowels 
is sometimes a consequence of flatulent colic, or gripes. 
The spasm of the bowels, by which this complaint is 
caused, is sometimes so obstinate, as to resist the most 
powerful remedies. The confined air, at length, so 
stretches the bowels, as to bring on inflammation, 
which soon destroys the animal. Persons unacquaint- 
ed with veterinary medicine are seldom capable of 
distinguishing between the flatulent colic and inflam- 
mation of the bovt els : it is of importance, however, 
that thftse, who are concerned with horses, and who 
are so situate, that they cannot procure immediate as- 
sistance from a veterinary practitioner, should make 
themselves familiar with the symptoms, by which 
these diseases may be distinguished ; because they 
require v«ry diflTereat treatment. la the flatulent co- 



84 

lie, the pulse is the same as in health ; in iiiHamma* 
tion of the bowels^ the pulse is always very quick : 
iht latter disease is generally gradual in its attack ; 
the former comes on rather suddenly. The pain, in 
flatulent colic, appears to be violent, the hor«e rolls 
about the stall, groans, and looks round to his flanks ; 
in this respect, it resembles inflammation of the how- 
els ; hut the natural state of Ihe pulse is a criterion 
by which it may always be distinguislied. The flat- 
ulent colic is in general easily cured by any warm, 
stimulating medicine ; such as gin, peppermint water, 
Dafiy's elixir, which is nothing more than proof spi- 
rit, in which senna, carraway seeds, and other aro- 
malics, have been steeped. Warm beer, with pow- 
dered ginger, is also a very common lemedy ; but 1 
have found the following mixture most eflicacious. 

MIXTURE FOR THE IXATULBNT COLIC. 

Oil of turpentine - - - 3 oz. 

Spirit of nitrous ether - - S oz. 

Water - * .. • | pint. 
Mix for one dose. 

As soon as this has been given, it should be wash- 
ed down with a hornful of water. Clysters of warm 
water and salt should be given, and the belly should 
be well wisped. If no relief be obtained in half or 
three quarters of an hour, let the above mixture be 
repeated. If the horse be in good condition, and par- 
ticularly if the under surface of the eyelid appear red^ 
and the pulse become a little quicker than natural, he 
should be copiously bled. It sometimes happens, 
that this disease causes inflammation of the bowels, 
even under the most proper treatment ; but more com- 
monly from improper management or neglect. It is 
easy to ascertain when inflammation is coining on, by 
the altered state of the pulse^ which becomes conside-- 



.rably quickev and smaller : when the pulse rises to a 
hundred in a minute, and is not readily distinguish- 
ed, there is but little chance of recovery : when it 
amounts to 120^ or even to 110^ detith, I believe, i^ 
inevitable. 

And here I beg leave to suggest the propriety of 
providing every waggoner with a bottle of gripe mix- 
ture, a drenching Iiorn, and fleams. Waggon horses 
are often attacked with this complaint in a situation^ 
wliere no remedies can be procured ; and I have rea- 
son to believe, that many horses have died of it, 
through the want of a timely remedy. 

Inflammation of the bowels is sometimes caused by 
giving too strong a dose of purgative medicine, or by 
improper management during its operation. When a 
purgative operates with unexpected violence, and it 
is thought necessary to put a stop to it, the only safe 
plan that can be adopted is to give frequently some 
mucilaginous fluid : the best of which, according to 
my experience, is the preparation called arrow root, 
which seems to be a pure starch. Eight ounces of 
the powder may be mixed with a little cold water : 
this is to be added to a gallon of boiling water; the 
whole to be well stirred ; and, after boiling a minute, 
or two, removed from the fire. About a quart of the 
mixture is to be given every hour, until the purging 
appears to be checked. I have seldom known it fail 
of stopping excessive purging ; whereas, in many 
instances, where astringents or opiates have been 
given, though the purging has been stopped, in- 
nammatioii of the bowels has been the conse-- 
fjuence. 

When a horse is suffered to take cold water after 
physic or is exposed to cold, instead of operating in 
the usual time, it often causes sickness and gripes, 
which, if not relieved, may terminate in inflamiiation 
of thQ bowels. On tliis occasion; clysters should be 



36 



injectcir, and warm water given frequently : if ]je re- 
fuse to drink, it should be given with a horn. Thisj 
witli walking exercise, soon brings on purging, by 
which tJie horse is relieved. 



A TABLE, 



SHOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 



FLATULENT COLIC, OR GRIPES, 



AND 



Inflammation of the Bowels,^ 



^ym/itoms of I fafnmation of the 
Bo-ods. 

1. Pulse very quick and 
small. 

4J. Lies down and sudden- 
ly rises again, seldom 
rolling upon his back. 

3. Legs and cars general- 
ly cold. 

4. In general, attacks gra- 
dually, is commonly 
preceded, and alwa^^s 
accompanied by symp- 
toms of fever. 

^. No intermissions can 
be observed. 



S'j'fitoms oj" Flatulent Colbt. 

is Pulse natural, though 
sometimes a little quick- 
ened. 

%, Lies down and rolls 
upon his back. 

8. Legs and ears general- 
ly warm. 

4. Attacks suddenly, is 
never preceded, and 
seldom accompanied by ^ 
any symptoms of fevej^^ 

5. Til ere are frequently 
short intermissions. 



• Ti»e adddions to this subject will b > und ii» the Append. \, \u de" the 
he ' Diseases of the Boweb, which includes Uota the imlammaUi'y and flat- 
ulent C4)iic, andisoine other disorders. 



3r 



'inflammation of the Stomacii. 

The stomach, like tlie intestines, may be inflamed 
cither on its external or internal surface. When the 
external coat is the seat of the disease, the symp- 
toms are nearly the same as tliose by which pcr- 
itoiijeal inliammation of the intestines is indicated, 
and the same treatment is required ; the only differ- 
ence observable in tlie symptoms is, tliat in this case 
the pain seems to be more acute an distressing than in 
tlie otiier : the same difference may be observed be- 
tween the large and small intestines, the latter being 
possessed of more sensibility than the former. 

When inflammation attacks the ])eritonseal coat of 
tlie stomach, it very soon diffuses itself to the small 
intestines and neighbouring viscera ; or if the small 
intestines be its original seat, it frequently spreads to 
the stomach, and sometimes to the large intestines al- 
so. In examining horses, tlicrefore, that have died 
of these diseases, we seldom find the inflammation 
confined to one particular organ ; it more commonly 
happens, inded, that the whole of the abdominal vis- 
cera will exiiibit morbid appearances, but in different 
degrees ; those most contiguous to the part first diseas- 
ed having suffered considerably, while such as are 
more remote from it are perhaps scarcely altered ; for 
we can generally distinguish the original seat of the 
inflammation. 

An inflammation of the internal or villous coat of 
the stomach is not a very common disease, and is ge- 
nerally occasioned either by poisons or strong medi- 
cines that have been swallowed, or by that species of 
worms termed bots. When poisons, or strong medi- 
cines incautiously given, are the cause, it will of 
course come on suddenly ; the pulse will be extremely 
quick, and so wxak that it can scarcely be felt; the 

4j 



38 

exlremeties will become cold, and there will be a pe- 
culiar dejected appearance* in the animal's counte- 
nance ; respiration will be disturbed ; sometimes tliere 
will be a cough, and always a high degree of debili- 
ty. The treatment of this disease consists in giving 
oily or mucilaginous liquids freely, such as decoction 
of linseed, gum arable diss(dved in water, &c. and at 
the same time medicines that are capable of decom- 
posing or destroying the poison ; for which purpose I 
believe the sulphurated kali is useful in doses of half 
an ounce, provided the poison be either mercurial or 
«irsenical. Clysters are to be injected ; and if the dis- 
ease be accompanied with purging, they should be 
composed of strong linseed decoction or water-gruel. 
I saw five cases of inflamed stomach at one time, all 
occasioned by poison . The above treatment was pur- 
sued, and four out of the five perfectly recovered. 

That inflammation which hots produce in the sto- 
mach is indicated by symptoms somewhat different 
from those just described : indeed, it may more pro- 
perly be considered as ulceration of the stomach than 
inflammation, since, upon examining horses that have 
died of this complaint, I liave alw ays found ulcers of 
considerable size. This disease generally comes on 
gradually : the horse become^s hide-bound, has a rongh 
unhealthy qoat, gradually loses flesh and strength, 
though he continues to feed well, and has a frequent 
and troublesome cough. The disease perhaps will 
continue in this state for some time, and no serious 
consequences are apprehended ; its cause and seat are 
seldom suspected ; medicines are given to remove the 
cough, with common alteratives for the purpose of im- 
proving his condition. 

In some instances these insects are spontaneously 
detached, and expelled through the intestines : in such 
cases, if the stomach have not been much hurt by them, 
it will gradually recover, and the horse be restored 
to his original strength and condition* Wben thi^ 



89 

does not occur, these worms produce so much mis- 
chief in the stomach, as to throw the wJiole system 
into disorder. The lungs are particularly liahle to 
sympathise with the stomach in this case^ and fre- 
quently become . inflamed in consequence. The in- 
iiammation thus produced in the lungs is extremely 
obstinate ; and though it may be checked in some de- 
gree by bleeding, and the other remedies we have 
recomended for that disease, yet as the cause cannot 
often be removed, it generally, I believe, terminates 
fatally. This symptomatic inflammation of the lungs 
may be distinguished from the idiopathic or original^ 
by the following criterion :— It is generally preceded 
by an unhealthy appearance in the cnat, and a trouble- 
some cough ; the animal seldom bears bleeding well^ 
the loss of any considerable quantity causing a rapid 
diminution of strength ; whereas, in the idiopathic in- 
flation of the hmgs, the strength of the pulse, as well 
as the whole system, is often increased by bleeding. 
/See Worms, Bots^ and Diseases of the Stomach.) 



I}iflammation of the Mldneys. 

This disease does not occur very freqently, and is 
generally occasioned, I believe, by an immoderate use 
of strong diuretic medicines. At the tirst attack ©r 
this complaint the iiorse constantly stands as if he 
wanted to stale, sometimes voiding a small quantity 
of high coloured or bloody urine. When the inflam- 
mation becomes more considerable, a suppression of 
urine and fever generally take place : if the loins be 
pressed upon, the animal shrinks fioni the touch, ami 
appears to feel great pain* In the first place bleed 
freely, then give a pint or twenty ounces of castor oil, 
throw up clysters of warm water, and coter the loins 
with sheep-skins, having previously rubbed upon them 



40 

the mustard embrocation. Should these remedies fail 
uf procuring relief, repeat tlie bleeding; ; and should 
not the oil have operated sufficiently^ let another dose 
be given. All diuretic medicines are to be carefully 
avoided ed. (See Bloody Urine ^ Supjjression of 
Uriney Appendix.) 



Inflammation of the Binder. 

When the bladder is much inflamed, its irritability 
is so increased, that it becomes incapable of containing 
any urine, contracting upon every drop almost that 
passes into it from the kidneys, in this complaint, 
then^ the horse is attempting almost constantly to stale, 
but voids only a few drops of urine, and that with 
considerable pain : it ps generally attended with quick 
pulse, and other symptoms of fever. Nothing is more 
beneficial in this disease than causing the horse to 
drink largely of linsee<l decoction, or any other mu- 
cilaginous liquid, and throwing up frequently clysters 
of the same : bleeding and a dose of castor oil, are 
likewise highly necessary. After the operation of 
the oil, let the following ball be given every sixth 
hour. Should no relief he obtained by these means, 
the horse continuing to void his urine frequently, in 
small quantities, and with pain, give one dram of 
opium twice a day, and omit the ball. Costiveness 
tends very much to aggravate this complaint ; and 
"vvlienever it occurs, let a clyster be injected, and a 
dose of oil given. 



41 



THE BALL. 



Powdered nitre, - - . - I oz. 

Camphor, - -. - - 1 dr. 

Liquorice powder, - - 3 dr. 

Hoiiey sii^licieiit to farm a ball for one dose. 

(See Diabetes, Blooiij Urine y Stoppage ofUrine^ 
Stone.) 



Infljinmation of the Liver, 

This disease is indicated by a yellowness of the 
eyes and mouth, red or dark-coloared urine, great 
Aveakness, and fever, generally accompanied with di- 
arrhoea or purging, and sometimes with costiveness ; 
the horse has a very languid appearance, and is almost 
constantly lying down. Sometimes the progress of 
this complaint is very rapid, speedily terminating in 
death : at others it proceeds more slowly, the animal 
liuiiierin'i: for a considerable time. In tliis case it not 
unfreqaently t<5rminates in dropsy, or inflammation ot 
the bowels. A case I recently met wiiii terminated 
in this .vay. It is often complicated with other in- 
ternal diseases, causing some variety in the symptoms. 

Bleeding can be em pi tyed with safety only at the 
comruencement of this disease : afterv^ard it generally 
does h^rn, by inducing a dangerous degree of debili- 
ty. The sides should he blistered ; and if there be 
no pursing;, the hall No. 1. given, once in twelve 
hours until it occasions moderate purging; but it the 
bowels be already in a lax state, the ball No. 2 or 3 
will be better adapted to the complaint^ and is to be 
£:ivcu in the same v»'ay. 

4 * 



4S 





THE BALL. 






No. 1. 




Calomel, - . - - 
Barbadoes aloes, 
Castile soap, 

Rhubarb, . . _ - 
Sirup enough to form a ball for 


A dr. 
i dr, 
S dr. 

one dose. 



No. 2. 

Opium, - *■ - - I dr. to 1 di% 

Calomel, - - - 1 dr. 

Castile soap, - , -2 dr. 

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 

No. 3. 

Opium and calomel, of each - 1 dr. 

Emetic tartar, - - - 2 

Liquorice powder, > _ . 3 

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 

It is recessary to promote the horse's strength, by 
a diet that is nutritious and easy of digestion, such as 
malt, arrow-root, carrots, &c. indulging him in any 
kind of green food which he shows a particular incli- 
nation for ; taking care, however, not to give him too 
much at once. Beside the above medicines, those of 
a tonic kind should be given, such as bark, steel, &c, 
(See TonicR in the Veterinary Materia Medica.) 



4b 



Strangles. 

This disease generally attacks young horses be- 
tween the third and fifth years of their age, and con- 
sists in an inflammation of the membrane of the throat 
and nose, and swelling of the glands under the throat, 
accompanied wdth cough, and a discharge of white 
thick matter from the nostrils : sometimes there are 
likewise a soreness of the throat, and difficulty in 
swallowing. The inflamed glands commonly suppu- 
rate in a short time, and burst, discharging a large 
quantity of matter. When this has taken place, the 
cough and other symptoms generally go off, the sore 
gradually heals, and the horse speedily recovers. In 
some cases the strangles assume a more formidable 
appearance, are attended with a considerable degree 
of fever, and the throat is sometimes so much infla- 
med, that the horse is incapable of swallowing either 
food or w ater ; but however violent the attack may be, 
I have always found that, by adopting a proper mode 
of treatment, every unpleasant symptom may be easi- 
ly removed, and a speedy recovery effected. It is 
not a very uncommon circumstance for the strangles 
to attack young horses wliiie at grass ; and then they 
are frequently not perceived until nature has nearly 
effected a cure. 

The approach of strangler^^ be known by a dul- 
iiess of countenance watery eyes, cough, and a slight 
degree of swelling in the glands under the jaw. As 
soon as they are discovered, let the hair be carefully 
clipped off from the inflamed glands and contiguous 
parts of the throat ; let a large poultice be then appli- 
ed to the throat, in doing which it is necessary to take 
care that it is so secured as to be constantly in contact 
with the throat ; for unless this is attended to, the poul- 
tice will be but of little service. I have generally 
found, that by rubbing a small quantity of some stim- 
ulating ointment on the inflamed glands^ previous to 



4^ 

the application of each poultice, suppuration has been 
considerably promoted : for this purpose the follow- 
ing formula will be found useful : 

Camphor - - - - 2 dr. 
Oil of origanum, - - - 1 dr. 
Speruiaceti ointment, - - S oz. mix. 

Wlien matter is completely formed in the glands, 
which may be known by the tumour becoming hirger, 
and by the skin feeling tense and somewiiat elastic, 
an opening should be made with a lancet, and its con- 
tents evacuated : this plan is cerUiinly preferable to 
that of waitine; until it bursts snontaneouslv, as the 
animal is instantly relieved by it, and the cure more 
speedily effected. To evacuate the matter perfectly, 
it is necessary to use moderate pressure with the fin- 
gers ; and when this has been done, let a piece of lint, 
dipped in digestive liniment, be inserted for the pur- 
pose of keeping the lips of the wound open, and allow- 
ing the matter to escripe freely : the poultice is to be 
continued until the swelling is perfectly reduced. 
When strangles attack the internal parts of the throat 
so as to render the horse incapable of swallowing, 
and particularly if the external swelling be not con- 
siderable, it will be advisable to apply a blister, and 
keep the bowels open with clysters. It is very neces- 
sary, in every case of strangles, to steam the head 
Well ; that is to put hot bran mashes into the manger 
frequently, so that the hoi-se may inhale the vapours. 

It is of consequence to distinguisli cases of incipi- 
ent strangles from common colds. In the latter, hleed- 
ing is a useful remedy ; but in the former I believe it 
does much harm, by interrupting a process of nature. 
I cannot, by any argument, show why bleeding should 
be improper in the sti»angles ; indeed, if our practice 
were guided by theory only, we should be led to con- 
sider it as a case of common inflammation; audcoiise- 



45" 

quently adopt that mode of treatment wliicii would 
tend to remove it most expeditiously, and prevent sup- 
puration ; and with tliis view we should have recourse 
to bleeding and purgatives : experience^ however, 
certainly sanctions a different trejvtment, and lias^ I 
think, fully proved the propriety of using every means 
for encouraging suppuration. I have seen several 
hundred cases in which this plan has been pursued, 
and not one of tliem terminated unfavorably. Should 
theiniiammation, however, spread to the lungs, occa- 
sioning great difficulty of breathing and fever, and 
particularly if the ho se be past the age of five, bleed- 
ins; must not be omitted : and if a laxative drink can 
be given, it will be found of great service. A rowel 
in the chest will also do good. 

Should a cough or any unpleasant symptom remaiu 
after the strangles are healed, let the following alter- 
ative ball be given every morning, until moderate pur- 
ging is produced ; and if it be found necessary, let it 
be repeated after an interval of four or five days. It 
is almost superHuous to add, that great attention must 
be paid by the groom ; the head^ neck, and chest, as 
well as the body, should be clothed ; warm water 
should be given frequently in small quantities ; a large 
quantity of litter should be allowed ; and hand-rub- 
bing to the legs should never be emitted, 

ALTERATIVE BALL. 

Barbadoes aloes^ - - - If dr. 
Emetic tartar and Castile soap, 7 

of each, - - 5 S dr. 

To be made into a ball for one dose. 



4^ 

Catarrh^ or Coli. 

It would be superfluous to i^ive a particular descnp- 
tiou of this complaint, since it is so well known, and 
its appearances so generally understood, that scarcely 
any one can be at a loss to distinguish it from otiier 
diseases. It consists in an inflammation in t])e mu- 
cous membrancj which lines the internal part of the 
nose, throat, &c. sometimes attended with a slight de- 
gree of fever : hence arise the cough and discharge 
from the nostrils, which are the principal symptoms 
of catarrh. On the first attack of this complaint, bleed- 
ing will generally be found an effectual remedy : but 
if it be nesilected until a considerable discharir,e has 
taken place from the nostrils, it seldom proves bene- 
ficial. The following laxative, however, will be found 
a very useful remedy, and may be repeated after an 
interval of a few days, should it appear necessary : 
it will generally prevent those obstinate and even in- 
curable coughs which so often remain after a cold, and 
which not unfrequently terminate in brokeli wind. 

, LAXATIVE BALL. 

Barbadoes aloes, - - 3 dr. to J oz. 
Emetic tartar, - - - w i § dr, 
Castile soap, - - - - 3 dr. 

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 

A dose of fever powder is to be given every morn- 
'ing and evening, until the symptoms abate, or a con- 
siderable diuretic effect is produced, and then every 
second or third day only. 

Sometimes a swelling takes place in the parotid 
glands, which are situate immediately beneath the 
ear. Should no unusual heat or tenderness be ob- 
served in these swellings, apply tlie stimulating oint- 
ment recommended for strangles ; but if they feel hot^ 



47 



be painful, and appear to be in a state of active inflam . 
raation, a poultice is the best remed y. If the eves hp 
inflamed and watery, a rowel should be inserted un 
der the jaw ; and if the inflammation in the throat be 
so considerable as to render swallowing painful and 
difficult, a bhstey will afford great reliet' Ho bran 
mashes should be given frequently, which will ,o 
only serve to keep the bowels open,-'but will act a a 
fomentation o the inflamed membranes, since the horse 

from tr^^f ^'i'^"."s "" ^^p*^"^ "•'^-'^ --p^ 

I om them. Should he be costive (which is not likely 

happen wnle he is taking bran mashes,) let clys^ 

ters be injected occasionally. The head and chest 

as well as he body, should be well clothed, the leS 

frequently hand-rubbed, and a large quantity of littlr 

health. Should a cold be attended with a considera- 
ble degree of feve.^ or should the appetite go off. and 
the flanks work quicker than usual, it is necessary to 
make some alteration in the treatment. (See Fever 
and Lr)lamm.Uon of the Lungs.) It is necessary to 
observe, before I conclude this subject, that the strau- 

Snir 'ri-^''''"f''"'"*^ sometime, mistaken for 
a cold. I his may be productive of mischief, since 
b eedmg is generally improper in that co.iplaint : if^ 
tieiefore, a cold be accompanied with a swellina; of the 
. gauds under the jaw -if they feel hot and be pain- 
!fal, and particularly if the horse be youug,-we a.av 

lit^atoJdilllTy"'^ ^*^-^"S'^^ -« ^l'P--'-S' -"ItiJt 

Should |.e cough remain after the other symptoms 

are gone off give the laxative again ; and if neces a! 

f ' ' ? 1-"T ^ ■''''°'"' '"*''""'^'- Tf the cough con- 
tinue after this, let the following ball be giveLverv 
mormng for a week. b'cut.vei.y 



48 



THE BALL. 



Powdered squills^ - - - 1 dv, 

Gum ammoniaC; - - - 3 dr. 

Opium, - - - - - I dr. 

Sirup enough (o form a ball. 



Chronic Cough, ^ 

We have already noticed this complaint as one of 
ihe symptoms of a cold, but did not at that time give 
any particular direction for its treatment, because it 
generally ceases as soon as its cause (the cold) is re- 
moved. It sometimes happens, however, that tke 
cough continues, although every other symptom is 
gone off. — This complaint, which, from its long con- 
tinuance, is distinguished by the term chronic, may 
be readily accounted for, when it is recollected that 
what is called a cold consists in 4in inflammation of 
the membrane which lines the nose and throat ; and 
that this membrane also forms the internal surface of 
the windpipe and its branches. When the C0ld, there- 
fore, has been violent and improperly treated, the in- 
flammation is liable to extend to the windpipe, or 
even to its branches, causing an effusion of coagulable 
lymph from the uiembrane, which, proves a constant 
source of irritation. It is probable also that the in- 
flammation may sometimes render the membrane so 
very irritable, or so alter its secretion, as to keep up 
a constant irritation and cough, without any effusion 
having taken place. When a considerable quantity 
of coagulable lymph has been effused, it obstructs the 
passage of the air in respiration in some degree, caus- 
ing that sonorous kind of breathing which is termed 

* See- Cou^h in the Appendix. 



49 

thickness of wind, or roaring;, A blister to tliethroaL 
has sometimes been found useful in the chronic cough. 
One of the following alterative balls is to be given 
every morning until moderate purging is produced ; 
and this, if assisted by proper attention to exercise^ 
diet, and grooming, has often effected a cure. 

The chronic cough is frequently occasioned by 
worms in the bowels or stomach, and is then to be 
treated accordingly. (See icorms.) 

BALLS. 

No. 1 

Succotrine aloes^ - - 1 dr. to % dr. 

Castile soap, - - - - 2 dr. 

Tariarised antimony, - - - S dr. 

Snnip enough to form a ball for one dose. 

Should the disease not submit to this remedy, try the 

following. 

No. S. 

Grum amraoniacum, - - - 3 dr. 

Powdered squill and opium, of each, 1 dr. 

Camphor, - - - - - 1 dr. 

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 

This is to be given every morning, and continued 
five or six days. A stable, properly ventilated, should 
be chosen, and the vap urs of foul litter carefully 
avoided. 



Inflammation of the Eye,^ 

When the eye is inflamed, it loses in part its beau- 
tiful transparency, sometimes appearing as if covered 
with a film ; the Hds are partially closed, the haws 

* See Appendix, Hiseasest^fthe Ey^s, 
5 



become mm'C ^i:^lxk, and tlicre is commoiily a dis- 
charge of tears^ or tlie eye appears Avatery. Should 
the inflammation have been hvoui;;ht on by some exter- 
nal injury, and particularly if it be not very consider- 
able, tlie tye-lolion will be.suflScientto remove it ; but 
in more violent cases it will be necessary also to bleed 
moderately and give a laxative ball. By these means 
inflammation arising from external injury may gene- 
rally be cured in a short time. The eyes often become 
inflamed in consequence of cold and fevers, in which 
cases the cause is to be chiefly attended to : when this 
is removed, the inflammation usually ceases. 

The most common cause of this complaint is high 
feeding, without a due proportion of exercise. These 
cases require great care and attention, for unless pro- 
per remedies are employed on the first attack, the dis- 
ease, though it appears to go off, will be frequently 
iMiturning, and in all probability eventually produce 
.blindness. The first remedy fo^e employed on this 
occasion is bleeding ; and the quantity of blood that is 
drawn should be proportionate to the violence of the 
Inflammation, and the condition of the animal. Should 
the vessels on the white part of the eye and inner part 
of tlie eye-lids appear to be distended with ]>lood, 
great advantage will be derived from scarifying the 
latter with a lancet. A laxative ball is to be given, 
and the bowels afterward kept in a lax state by means 
of bran mashes. T have found a seton, placed imme- 
diately under the eye, a very useful remedy ; but un- 
less the operation is nicely performed, it frequently 
leaves an unpleasant mark behind, which would lead 
a person experienced in horses to suspect that the eye 
had been diseased, and might therefore diminish the 
value of the horse. 

A shade, so adapted as to preserve the eye from the 
irritation of dust and light, will be found useful. This 
kind of inflammation generally comes on rather sud- 
denly, sometimes attacking only one eye, at otJiers 



01 

both are affected. As there is no apparent cause for 
tliis sudden attack of inflammation, the ^^room very 
commonly attributes it to seeds or dust having fiillen 
from the rack into the eye, and very little attention is 
paid to it. Notwithstanding this neglect^ the disease 
frequently goes off, and in some cases its disappear- 
ance is nearly as sudden as its attack : in a short tirae^ 
however, it again appears as unexpectedly as at iirst, 
and again per'naps goes off. In this uncertain way it 
may continue a considerable time, the eyes sometimes 
appearing transparent^ and free from indammation ; 
at others, watery, inflamed, and o])aque on the sur- 
face : at length the internal parts of the eye are affect- 
ed, and a cataract produced. 

It has been supposed, tliat the diseases of a bor.^e's 
eye are frequently hereditary, or dependent on some 
natural defect in the structure. I do not know how 
far this opinion may be true, but never having seen 
a case which seemed to corroborate it, I am not incli- 
ned to give it much credit. It is not very improbable, 
however, that the eyes of some horses may be natu- 
rally weak, and more liable to become inflamed wdien: 
exposed to the exciting causes of inflammation, than 
such as are originally endued with a proper degree of 
strength : but it ap])ears to me that w here this weak- 
ness or aptitude to disease exists, it is more frequently 
the effect of some injury which this tender and deli- 
cate organ has sustained, than a defect of nature^ 
When the eye becomes inflamed, it is necessary to in 
quire into the cause of the inflammation : if it arise 
from any mechanical injury, and be not very consid- 
erable, there is a probability of its being speedily re- 
moved, by means of the remedies I have pointed out ; 
but if the inflammation have arisen witlioutany appa 
rent cause, depending perhaps upon plethora, or re- 
dundancy of blood in the system, tliere w ill be some 
chance of a radical cure, provided the proper reme 
dies are employed sufficiently early. If these be ne 



5^ 

glected at the commencement of the diseiise, ihoiigU. 
the inflammation after some time appears to go off, 
and the eye^ to a superficial observer, seems to have 
i-ecovered, yet tlie disease frequently returns, and ul- 
timately occasions blindness. Should the disease have 
occurred before, and particularly if the former attack 
were violent, there is still less chance of its being re- 
moved, and allonr remedies will probably prove in- 
effectual. In this case the alterative No. S (see in- 
dex) may be tried. It frequently happens that when 
both eyes are inflamed, and a complete cataract forms 
HI one of them, the other becomes perfectly sound and 
strong. It must be observed, that when a horse has 
^suffered more than once from this disease, and is in 
lov/ condition, evacuations must not be made too free- 
ly : there are few cases, however, where moderate 
t/Ieeding and a laxative are not required. With res- 
pect to topical applications, or those remedies which 
are applied immediately to the eye, I must confess 
that I have not seen much benefit derived from tliem, 
except when the inflammation has abated consideraraH 
bly, and there remains an opacity or film on the sur- 
face ; and then common salt, finely powdered, has of- 
ten proved useful. But if the eye have been in thid 
state for some time, and the opacity is very consider- 
ablcy white glass, finely powdered and mixed with 
honev, is a more efiTectual remedy. Whenever the 
eyes are weak, or in a state of inflammation, the va- 
pours Avhich arise from foul litter sliould be carefully 
guarded .against ; indeed, it is by no means an impro- 
bable conjecture, that when the eyes are weak, these 
irritating vapours may often prove the exciting cause 
of inflammation. 

There is a cartilaginous body connected with the 
eyes of horses commonly termed the haw. Whene- 
ver the eye is drawn into the socket (which tlie horse 
has the power of doing by means of a muscle tliat 
does not exist in the human subject.) the hay, is for- 



5B 

ced over the eye, so that when dust happens to adhere 
to the surface of the eye, he is enaliled, by means of 
this cartilage, to wipe it off ; and as light is painful to 
the animal when the eye is in a state of inflamma- 
tion, we generally find this organ, on sucli occasions, 
drawn more than usual into the socket, and conse- 
quently the haw becomes conspicuous on its surface. 
Farriers in this case consider the haw as an unnatural 
excrescence, and the cause of tlie disease: they fre 
qucntly therefore cut it off. 



Lodged Jaw, 
» 
This disease, very fortunately, occurs but seldom. 
as it generally terminates fatally. It begins with a 
difficulty in mastication ; at length the jaws become 
so completely and immovably closed, tliat neither me- 
dicines nor food can be got into the stomach. The 
muscles of the neck are generally in a state of rigid 
contraction, and the animal appears to suffer great 
pain. It is often brought on by trifling causes, such 
as wounds of the foot, inflammation of the tail, from 
docking or nicking, &c. and sometimes it attacks with- 
out any apparent c.iuse. Various remedies have been 
tried in this complaint, but I do not think any effectu- 
al mode of treatment has vet been discovered. Im- 
mersion in cold water, or even snow, is said to pro- 
duce a temporary relaxation of those muscles by 
which the jaws are closed. Opium and camphor have 
been strongly recommended^ I have lately been in- 
formed of a case in which a combination of these me 
dicines completely succeeded. In America and the 
West-India islands, where the disease is much more 
frequent than it Is in this climate, strong stiinulant* 



54 

have l)een founcl effectual ; it would be «'iclvisabl'e 
therefore to try the same phm on horses, should opi- 
um an(i cairphor fail. The best stimulants for tliis 
purpose are j^pirit of hartshorn, ether, opium, mid 
brandy. I have beeii informed tliat r'. blister, appli- 
ed to the spine or back, throughout its v/hole lenigth, 
from the withers to the basis of the tail, has proved 
successful in several cases. I have had only one op- 
portunity of trying it, in which it did no g- :od : but 
the disease had existed for some time, and had become 
very violent before any remedy was employcil. See 
Appendix. 



Lampas, 

When the bars or roof of the liorse's mouth, neai 
the front teeth, become level with, or higher than the 
teeth, be is said to have the lampas, and this is sup- 
posed to prevent his feeding. Farriers burn down 
this swoln part with a red-hot iron made for the pur- 
pose. I believe this operation is performed much more 
frequently than is necessary, but I have never seen any 
bad consequence arise from it. 



Roaring. 



This disease takes its name from a peculiar sound 
in respiration, particularly wdien the horse is put into 
a brisk trot or gallop. It seems to arise from lymph 
that has been effused in the windpipe or its branches, 
which, becoming solid, obstructs, in a greater or less 
degree; the passage of air. As a remedy for this conir 



plaint, blistering the whole length of tlie ^viadpipe ha.«*; 
been recoouneiided ; I believe^ however^ that it is al- 
v/ays incsirable, unless proper remedies are employed 
as soon as it is observed to be coming on. It general- 
]y begins like a severe cold, v/ith difTiculty in breath- 
ing, accompanied with a peculiar kind of wheezing : 
sometimes there is also considerable fever, and sore- 
ness of the thr-jat. In some cases it attacks snddenly. 
and witli great violence ; in others it conies on gradu- 
aliy, and is then more dangerous, as it is seldom at- 
tended to. and generally allowed to establish itself 
before proper remedies are employed. It is advisa- 
ble^ whenever a horse is attacked witli the above 
symptoms, to have recourse immediately to bleeding- 
purging and blistering the throat. (See Couglu Ap- 
pendix.) 



Broken Winds 

It seems to be universally allowed that this coni^ 
plaint is incurable^ though it will admit of considera- 
ble alleviation : and if its approach be perceived suf 
Hciently early, may probably be prevented. Horsexs 
that appear to be most subject to it are those with vo- 
racious appetites, that cat even their litter, and keep 
themselves in good condition upon a moderate allow- 
ance of corn : also such as are fed highly, and at the 
same time not properly exercised. It has been obser- 
ved by a modern author^, ^^ that the most common ap- 
pearance of the lungs in broken-winded horses is a 
general thickening of their substance, by which their 
elasticity is in great measure destroyed^ and their 



* "An 
Richard LaWe 
general merit. 



enquiry into the structure and animal economy cf the horse, by 
a^vTence, Veterinary Surgeon, Birmingham, 4to." a worlt o. much 



-U 



56 

\veigbt specifically increased^ at tlie same time that 
their capacity for air is (liminished. During life the 
lungs entirely fill the cavity of the chest, so as to leave 
no space between their outward surface and the in- 
ward surface of the ribs. (See struct lire of the lungs,) 
Thus they dilate and contract, following up by their 
own elpcsticity the action of the ribs and diaphragm. 
If the chest be punctured in the dead subject, the air 
rushes in, and the lungs collapse : but if the liorse 
were broken winded, tlie lungs do not collapse. This 
state of the lungs sufficiently accounts for the difficul- 
ty of respiration ; for as ihe^ivfaculty of dilation is des- 
troyed, the ribs cannot expand without formins; a va- 
cuum in the chest, which the pressure of the external 
air prevents, which may be readily perceived in the 
case of broken wind ; for then the intercostal muscles 
are so strougly retracted, as to form a deep furrow be- 
tween every rib, as well as a depression in the flanks. 
On this account air is received into the lungs with 
great difficulty ; hut its expulsion is not so difficult, 
as the return of the ribs and diaphragm naturally force 
it out by their pressure. Thus in broken-winded hor- 
ses inspiration is very slow, but expiration is sudden 
and rapid, as may be seen by the flanks returning with 
ajerk/^ 

It appears to me that the observations of Mr. Law- 
rence on this subject are not correct. The lungs of 
broken-winded horses that I have examined have gen- 
erally been unusually large, with numerous air blad- 
ders on the surface. This must have arisen from a 
rupture of some of the air-cells ; for in this case some 
part of the air which is inspired will necessarily get 
into the cellular membrane of the lungs, and diffuse 
itself until it arrives at the surface, when it w ill raise 
the pleura so as to form the air-bladders we observe. 
This is the reason that the lungs of broken-winded 



57 

fiotses do not collapse when the chest is punctured ; 
and this will serve to explain the peculiar motion of 
the flanks in broken-winded horses, which does not 
consist, as Mr. Lawrence asserts, in a quick expira- 
tion and very slow inspiration, hut quite the reverse 5 
air is received into the lungs verif readily, which is 
manifested by a sudden falling of the flanks, but is 
expelled slowly, and with ^^reat difficidty, as may be 
perceived by the long continued exertion of the ab- 
dominal muscles^. 

When the membrane which lines the windpipe and 
all its branches has been affected with inflammation, 
it becomes thickened in consequence, and the capaci- 
ty of the lungs will of course be diminished : this will 
cause a quickness in respiration, but not that irregu- 
lar or unequal kind of breathing by which broken 
wind is characterised. The complaint which is thus 
produced is commonly termed thick icind ; and the 
horse so affected, if made to move rapidly, wheezes 
like an asthmatic parson, and is unfit for any violent 
exercise. It not unfrequently happenns, I believe, 
that this complaint proves a cause of broken wind ; 
for when the membrane Is much thickened, many of 



* A sliorlti^r.e since, a!iorse completely broken-winded was given tome 
for the purpose of ir.akiii,^ cxpcinmcnts relative to the glanders, a discnse 
whicli has ibr many years occupied my attention. On destroying the ani- 
inul, and examining the lungs with great care, very little disease could be 
observed. So i'ar from their being thickened, and in the state Mr. l^aw- 
rence descri!>cs, tiiey ^ycTe specilically lighter tlian natural ; and though no 
iiir-bladdcrs Vvxre perceived on the surface, there was evidently a great 
deal of air difpused in the cellular menibrane of the lungs, which must have 
been occasioned by a rupture of one or more of the air-cells, or minute 
branches of the windpipe ; there behigno other source from which it could 
have been-f)roduced. Now this v/as a case of simple broken vv'ind, which 
may be easily distinguished, not by an unusually quick motion of the flanks, 
but by an unequal motion. The flanks of a broken-winded liorse are along 
time in drawing up or contracting, v.'hich shows tlie difiiculty he feels in 
expelling.the air from his lungs, or in expiring ; but when th.at is eflectcd, 
the flaixks drop suddenly, which s ov, s that the air enters the lungs, or 
that the animal impires with machg reater ease than he expiies. It often 
hap]:'ens, however, that 6ro/v"e/i wind is complicated with thichiess of wind, 
and, as i have before observed, is sometimes occasioned by it, which pro- 
bably gave rise to the opinion we have endeavored to refute. (See Cov^c^., 
AstlimUy and Thichiess of IVirul, Appendix.) - ' 



58 

tiie finet" bi-anches of the windpipe arc probably ob< 
structecl in a greater or less ilei;:rce : the violent cough- 
ing which usually accompanies this disease^ will, un- 
der such circumstances, be very liable to rupture some 
of the air-cells. The same ellectmay be produced by 
violent exercise when the stomach is distended with 
food or water. I believe, however, that a plethora 
or fulness of habit is most commonly the remote cause 
of broken wind. In that case there is gencially an 
undue determination of blood to the lungs, wherel)y 
the secretion within the air-vessels is increased, and 
perhaps rendered somewhat acrimonious and viscid, 
exciting a violent and troublesome coughs. 

AYhenever a horse appears to be imperfect in his 
wind, if he cough violently, ])articularly when exer- 
cised, with unusual working of the flanks, and if at 
the same time he appear to be in good health and spi- 
rits, feeding heartily, and eager for water, let liim be 
bled moderately, and take a laxative ball : by these 
means, assisted by a bran diet and regular exercise, 
the lungs will soon be relieved, and the cough, if not 
completely removed, will be considerably diminished. 
Afterward give the following ball every morning for 
a week, and take care that a regular exercise is nev- 
er omitted : it will be advisable also to prevent the 
horse from filling himself too much with hay or water. 
The latter should be given five or six times a day, in 
small quantities ; for the common method of stinting 
a horse in water, when his wind is supposed to be bad, 
is certainly prejudicial. Corn should be given spa- 



^ It is not very improbable that air is sometimes secreted or formed in, 
ihe cellulur membrane of the liiftgs ; in which cuse a horse would be bro- 
ken winded without ;iny rupture of the air-cells. 1 have seen a horse bc- 
''ome broken winded rather suddenly, and wh.en a violent cough had not 
preceded , I have also seen the symptoms of broken wind removed by turn- 
ini^a horse out, but they j'ctuaned when lie was taken J^ntothe stable again; 
and I recollect a horse that would sometimes breathe very well, and at other 
times api)ear completely broken winded. From these circumstances, it does 
not appear improbjible that the cai'.FC of oroken wind is sometimes a mor- 
bid formation of air in the coUular membrane of the lunr^s. 



59 

ringly, as nigli feeding tcncls very much to aggravate 
the comphaiut. Bran is a useful diet, if mixed with 
corn ; and if carrots or any other succulent vegetahle 
can be procured, they will be found of considerable 
service. The vapours which arise from foul litter, 
and the air of a close stable, are extremely pernicious. 
I have seen very good effects from turning the liorse 
into a paddock during the day, when the weather is 
favorable. When the cough and other symptoms have 
been removed, these means must still be persevered 
in, or the disease will probably return : regular and 
long continued exercise tends more than any thing to 
keep it off; but violent exercise is extremely impro- 
per. Whenever costiveness occurs, it should be re- 
moved by means of a clyster and bran mashes ; and 
should the horse be disposed to eat his litter, it is to 
be prevented by means of a muzzle. 

THE BALL. 

Powdered squills^^ - v - - 1 dr. 
Gum ammoniac, - - • I oz. 

Powdered aniseeds. - - 3 dr. 

To be made into a ball with sirup, for one dose,- 



Jaitndicey or Yelloivs. 

This disease is indicated by a yellowness of the 
eyes and mouth, dullness and lassitude ; the appetile 
is generally diminished, the urine of a reddish or 
dark colour. Sometimes the complaint is attended 
with costiveness, but more commonly with a purging. 
This disease does not often arise from an obstructioa 
111 the biliary ducts, as in the human subject, but gen- 
erally from mci-eased action of the livery whereby au 



V 



BO 

unusual quantity of bile is secreted. Iniiammatiou 
of the liver is sometimes mistaken for jaundice, but 
may be distinguished from it by ihefei'^er and debili- 
/?/ with V. hicli it is always accompanied. 

AVhen costiveness is one of the symptoms of jaun- 
dice, give the ball No. 1 every morning until mode- 
rate purging is produced ; but if the bowels be already 
open, or in a state of purging, give the ball No. 2 
every morning. The horse's strength should be sup- 
^portcd by infusion of malt or water-gruel. 

THE BALL. 

No. 1. 

Calomel, - - - • i dr. 

B.irbadoes aloes, - - 1| dr. 

Castile soap, - - - 3 dr. 

Hhubarb, - - - - 3 clr. 

To be made into a ball with sirup, for one dose. 

No. 2. 

Calomel and opium, of each, - 1 dr.^ 
Columb'j root, powdered, - - 3 dr. 
Powdered ginger, - - • i dr. 

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 

There is a species of staggers, of which I have 
seen a great number of cases since I left the army, 
where yellowness of tlie eyes and mouth is invaria- 
bly oue of the symptoms ; which has often led farri- 
ers to consider it as the jaundice, or yellows, as they 
term it 5 and their remedies have generally consisted 
of saffron, turmeric, or other inert medicines of a yel- 
loic colour, which they seem to consider as an indis- 
pensable quality in all medicines employed for tire 



61 



(f/elluies. Oil the same ])rinciple they give dragoii's 
blood; a red resinous substauce, and oilier red medi- 
ciues; in all cases of internal hemorrhage or bleedin^^'*, 
such as bloody water, &c. (See Staggers, and Dis- 
eases of the Stomach.) 



Flatulent Colic, Gripes, or Fret, 

This disease generally attacks rather suddenly, 
and is brought on by various causes : sometimes it is 
occasioned by drinking a large quantity of cold wa- 
ter when the body has been heated, and the motion 
of the blood accelerated by violent exercise. In hor- 
ses of delicate constitutions, that have been accustom- 
ed to hot stables and warm clothing, it may be brought 
on merely by drinking water that is very cold, though 
they have not been previously exercised. Ead hay 
appears to be another cause of the complaint ; but it 
frequently occurs without any apparent cause, and 
then probably depends upon a spasmodic action of 
the stomach or bowels, occasioning a constriction of 
the intestine, and a coniinement of air. It has not been 
ascertained whether this air be produced by a fer- 
mentation of the contents of the bowels, or formed by 
the arteries of their internal coat : which ever of these 
is the source of the air, there is no doubt that the im- 
mediate cause of its formation and coniinement is 
weakness, or a loss of vital energy. On tiiis accouat 
medicines of a stimuLating quality are the most effec- 
tual remedies ; therefore the common flatulent colic 
is easily cured by grooms and farriers, who seldom 
give any other kind of medicines. The greatest cau- 
tion, however, is necessary on this occasion ; aud I 
have known many valuable lioTses destroyed by 

6 



6^ 

adopting hastily ibis mode of treatment. There is a 
species of flatulent colic, which, if treated in the com- 
mon way, is sure to terminate fatally, though it is not 
at first of an inflammatory nature. This disease will 
be described in the Appendix, under the head Disea 
ses of the Botvels ; and its remote cause will be more 
particularly shown under the head Humours^ xlp- 
pendix*. 

The pain and uneasiness which this complaint oc- 
casions are so consiiderable as to alarm those who are 
not accustomed to see it, and lead them to be aj)pre- 
]iensi\ e of dangerous consequences ; but if properly 
treated, it may be easily and expeditiously reii oved. 
It begins with an appearance of uneasiness in the 
horse, he frequently pawing his litter; he voids a 
small quantity of excrement, and makes fruitless at- 
tempts to stale ; the pain soon becomes more violent; 
he endeavors to kick his belly, and looks round to his 
flanks, expressing by groans the pain he labours un- 
der : at length he lies down, rolls about the stall, and 
falls into a profuse perspiration. After a short time 
he generally gets up, and appears for a minute or two 
to be getting better, but the pain soon returns, and the 
succeeding paroxysm is generally more violent than 
the former ; the pulse is seldom much accelerated, nor 
are there any symptoms of fever. The disease will 
sometimes go off spontaneously : it more commonly 
liappens, however, when proper remedies are not em- 
ployed, that the air continues to accumulate, and so 
distends the intestine, as to produce inflammation of 
its coats : the distention has sometimes been so con- 

* The author hitended to write a cliapter on humours, in order to shov'^ 
the pernicious tendency of the humoiiral patholog-j', as it is termed, which 
supposes almost all diseases to depend on some noxious humour in the 
bio(xl. 11, is sufficient, however, to observe, that the strong- purg-atives 
whidli are given with a view to expel such humours^ sometimes render the 
bowels so irritable, that very sli;jht causes will bring on the flatulent colic , 
and if a strong stimulant be given in such cases, it frequently causes inflain 
- mation of the intestine. 



6S 

siderable as to rnptnre the intestine, whereby the 
horse is speedily destroyed. 

As soon as this disease is observed, let one of the 
following draughts be given, and a clyster injected, 
composed of six quarts of water-gruel or warm water, 
and S oz. common salt. If the disease have existed 
fur sevetal hours, and the pain appear to be very con- 
siderable, particularly if the pulse have become quick, 
it will be advisable to bleed to three quarts, with a 
view to prevent inflammation and remove the spasmo- 
dic contraction of the intestine. If the disease, how- 
ever, be perceived on its first attack, the draught and 
clyster will generally be sulTicieut to cure it; but 
should no relief be obtained by these means in an hour 
or two, let the draught be repeated, and let the belly 
be rubbed for a considerable time with the mustard 
embrocation. Should the disease be so obstinate as 
to resist even these remedies, which will scarcely ev- 
er happen, give a pint of castor oil, with If oz. of 
tincture of opium ; as soon as the horse gets up, let 
him be rubbed perfectly dry by two persons, one on 
eacli side ; and afterwards let him be well clothed. 
It is necessary in this complaint to provide a large 
quantity of litter, for the purpose of preventing the 
horse from injuring himself during the violence of the 
paroxysm. 

THE DRAUGHT, 

No. 1. 

Balsam of capivi, - - - 1 oz. 
Oil of juniper, - - - S dr. 

Spirit of nitrous ether, - - 1 oz. 

Simple mint water, - - - 1 pint. 

Mix for one dose. 



6^ 



No. ^. 



Venice tarp^ntine, ^ : , i o^:. 
Mix with the yolk of an e^-, and add gradually 
Peppermint water, - - . i pjntv 
Spirit of nitrous ether, - - i ozf. 

Mix for one dose. 

No. a. 

Gaiiiphor, - . ^ . g j'j. 

Oil of turpentine, - . . i q^. 
Mint water, - - . . | pi„t^ 

Mix for one dose. 

As this Gomplaint is liable to occrur duriilg a jour- 
ney, in situations where the above remedies cannot be 
readily procured, I have annexed a formula for a ball 
for the convenience of those who are in the habits of 
travelling. If this ball be wrapped np closely in a 
piece of bladder, it may be kept a considerable time 
i^ithout losing its virtues. 

THE, BALL, 

Gftstlie Boap, . « „ , 3 ^^, 

Camphor, - - - ~ 2 dr. 

Oinger, - • • - - 1| dr. 

Venice turpentine-^ - - - 6 dr. 

To be made into a ball for one dose, with liquorice 
powder or flower. 



65 
CHAPTER VL 

On the Staggers. 

The staggers are usually divided^ by writers on 
fnrriery, into two kinds, wliicli tliey denomirjaTe the 
sleepy and the mad staggers. The former are s*;ppo- 
sed to depend on too much blood flowing to the brain, 
and the latter on inilammatiou of tfiat oi'gan ; and it 
has been observed, that, unless the sleepy staggers 
be removed, by copiou!^ bleeding and purging, infiam- 
maiion of the brain, or mad sf aggers, is the necessary 
consequence : thus have these diseases been generally 
considered as nearly of the same kind, diiiering only 
in degree. 

It has been clearly ascertained, h.ovrever, that they 
are by no means similar in their nature; ajul, it has 
been incontestibly proved, by examining the bodies of 
horses that have died of thess diseases, that they arise 
from very diiferent causes. 

Some writers have imagined, that staggers resem- 
ble the epilepsy, or falling sickness, a disease to 
which the human body is liable. Something of this 
kind, though not exactly similar, happens, occasion- 
ally, to horses, and is termetl megrims ; but in no 
respect does itresemble either the sleepy or the mad 
staggers. 

The mad staggers generally attack liorses that are 
liiglily fed, and uioderately worlced : ih^y do not oc- 
cur frequently; may be easily distinguished from 
sleepy staggers ; and are less dilHcult of core, if at- 
tended to at an early period. 

l^he sleepy staggers arc a disease of far greater 
importance, and, wQxi to .glanders, perhaps, more des- 
tructive tiian any otiier. I have thought proper to 
call it i\\& stomach staggers, because this important 
organ has been almost invariably found, after death, 
Xq have been the seat of the disease. 

' 6 ^ 



66 



On the Mad Staggers. 



This is not a very common disease, and may gen-, 
erally be cTlrcd, if attended to at an early period. In 
the mad staggers, the horse becomes highly delirious, 
and so violent, that it is often dangerous to come near 
him. Sometimes he falls down, and appears to be 
quite exhausted ; but, after a short time, he suddenly 
rises, and becomes as furious as at first. The only 
remedy for this disease is copious bleeding; but it is 
generally difficult to keep the horse sufficiently quiet 
to perform this operation : it is better to wait until a 
short intermission takes place, when he becomes ex- 
hausted by the violence of his exertions ; both tempo- 
ral arteries should then be opened, and suffered to 
bleed until the horse becomes faint, and is perfectly 
composed. After this, a strong dose of purgative me- 
dicine should be given, a rowel placed under the jaw, 
and a blister applied to the head : the horse's diet 
should be low ; and, if any symptoms of the disease 
.lagain make their appearance, the bleeding should be 
repeated, until they go off. 

Tlie bleeding from the temporal artei'y may be stop- 
ped by means of a pin and tow, as in the neck* It is 
necessary, however, to make use of a longer pin, ami 
to take care that the ligakire is tied very firmly. 

When no person present is capable of opening the 
temporal artery, he should be bled in the neck, on 
both sides ; a cord should then be tied round the neck; 
below the opening in the veins, so as to keep up a 
constant flow of blood. The only criterion, by which 
we can judge of the quantity of blood necessary to 
be drawn, is the cessation of the delirium, which sel- 
dom happens until a considerable quantity has been 
taken off. This will be seen from the cases subjoin- 
ed to this chapter. 

It is proper to observe, that the operation of the 
purgative may be hastened bj injecting clysters., com- 



67 

posed of about a gallon of water, in which half a pound 
of salt has been dissolved ; and, if U does not operate 
in the usual time, that is, from twenty-four to thirty 
hours, another dose should be given. 



CASE I. 

A troop horse was attacked with mad staggers, and 
was bled freely from the jugular vein ; the horse be- 
came more quiet, but not perfectly composed. The 
next day, he was highly delirious, and plunged about 
the stable so violently, that no one could come near 
him ; sometimes a short intermission occurred, that is, 
he would lie quiet a short time, then, rising suddenly, 
he l>ecame as furious as at first. On the evening of 
the second day, I saw him for the fii'st time, he was 
lying perfectly quiet, and was supposed, by the per- 
sons present, to be dying : I immediately opened both 
temporal arteries ; and, after losing a considerable 
quantity of blood, lie got up, was perfectly composed, 
and had no return of his complaint. 

CASE II. 

A young, healthy, carriage horse, that had been 
highly fed, and done but Jittle work, was attacked 
with mad staggers : the delirium ran so high, that he 
leaped through a small window, nearly five feet from 
the ground. This horse was copiously bled, took a 
strong purgative, and had a rowel under the jaw. He 
perfectly recovered, and had no return of the com- 
plaint. 

CASE 11^ 

A troop horse was attacked with mad staggers, 
?»nd, though relieved by copious bleeding, and the 



68 



otiier remedies above mentioned, after a few days the 
disease terminated in death. On examining the brain, 
a bony substance Avas found in its ventricle^ or cavity. 



CHAPTER VIL 

On the Stomacliy or Sleepy Staggers. 

In tlie sleepy staggers, the horse appears drowsy, 
hangs his head in the manger, and refunes his food. 
The tongue and mouth are of a yellowish colour ; the 
membrane, which lines the inner surface of the eve- 
lid^ is more deeply tinged with yellow, approaching 
to a deep orange colour; there is a slight convulsive 
mofion, or twitching of the mu-^cles of the breast ; the 
fore legs appear suddenly to give way, at times, as if 
the horse would fall : but this very rarely happens, 
and he very seldom lies down, unless the disease is 
going off, or death is approaching. The pulse is ne- 
ver affected in the early stages of this complaint. It 
is always attended by costiveness ; and, when the 
dung is drawn off*, by introducing the hand into the 
gut, it is found to be hard, and of a dark colour, often 
covered with tnucus, or white, slimy matter. Some- 
times there is a suppressifm of urine, which appears to 
arise from a paralytic state of the bladder : this, how- 
ever, is seldom the case, in the early stages of the com- 
plaint. The temperature of the b:,dyis generally the 
same as in health ; but, in violent cases^ and in the 
later stages of the complaint, there is often profuse 
perspiration, and coldness of the legs and ears : in 
some instances, one half the body has become cold 
and palsied. 

I have often observed, at the commencement of this 
disease; and some time after, that the horse appears 



69 



to be roused, and neigli% on opening the stable ddorl 
In the later stages of the disorder, the jaws often be- 
come locked, and sometimes the muscles of the eye 
are convulsed. When a horse is attacked at grass, 
he is generally found forcing his head against the 
hedge ; and, if removed from this situation, he moves 
forward, rambling, as if in constant danger of falling, 
until he meets with some obstacle, against which he 
forces his head, so as to cause considerable swelling 
in the prominent parts above the eye andintlie nose. 
When in the stable, the horse will, sometimes, even 
force his nose between the rack staves, and generally 
bruises himself considerably about tlie head, which 
often causes a discharge of matter from the nostrils. 
In short, he appears totally insensible ; but there is ne- 
ver that furious delirium, by which the mad staggers 
are characterised, nor is it difficult to bleed, or perform 
any operation upon him, that may be required. When 
the disease terminates fatally, it is generally on the 
second or third day : a short time before death, there 
is often considerable convulsion, and the animal ap- 
pears to be in great pain ; probably from inflammation 
liaving taken place in the stomach or bowels. 

A disease, very nearly resembling the stomach stag- 
gers we have here described, has, at times, proved 
liighly destructive, particularly in tlie neighbourhood 
of Swansea, where a great number of horses are em- 
ployed in the niiues : it appears, however to be a more 
violent form of the disease, and is probably contagi- 
ous. The following is the copy of a letter I received 
from a gentleman, who liad many opportunities of 
Seeing this violent form of the disdorder ; audit will 
appear, from the letter, that he has taken great pains 
in investigating the nature of the disease : and that he 
has observed all the circumstances connected with it 
i;^dth attention and accuracy. 



70 

" Permit me, though a stranger, to address some 
observations to you respecting the disease, which, iu 
the Appendix to tlie first volume of your Veterinary 
Medicine, is called Stomach Sta^:^gers, I have ne- 
ver seen any mention of it iu any other treatise, nor 
have I known any particular name given to the dis- 
order before, though 1 have seen it rage, with the 
most destructive violence, in the nciglibourhood of 
Swansea, in Glamorganshire, where it is called the 
distemper. For a long series of years, it has been 
the object of inquiry ; but it has never been investi- 
gated, on the spot, by any one having a scientific 
knowledge of the diseases of horses, except Mr. 
Rick ward, of Brighton, who w^as sent down, some 
years ago, when the disease raged most violently, by 
a gentleman, who owned a very large number of hor- 
ses ; but he was not successful. Permit Qie now to 
say, that I do not think you have seen the disorder 
raging with the violence, or to the extent it has fre- 
quently raged near Swansea; its commencement is 
dreaded like the plague. I will endeavor to give you 
as succinct an account of it as 1 can ; and, when I re- 
turn into the country, where all my memorandums on 
the subject are, I will, with pleasure, if you wish it, 
send you every particular I have ; though I can suf- 
ficiently depend upon my memory to say, that I can 
now send you tlie substance. 

^^ The symptoms you mention are exactly such as 
occur, and the distinction you point out, between the 
brain staggers and the stomach staggers, is distinctly 
correct ; for, though the yellowness of the eyes and 
mouth has generally escaped observation, I have a 
memorandum, particularly noticing, that a man, in 
giving a ball to a horse, in this disorder, hadliis hand 
tinged quite yellow ; and, 1 have no doubt, it gene- 
rally occurs. But, besides the symptoms you men- 
tion, the animal is subjected to a general convulsive 



71 

affection ; frequently attempts to stale, and discharges 
a little lirine at a time, by shoots, as if convulsed ; 
and,, most commonly, the animal's jaw is locked, some 
time previous to his death. Having now stated the 
immediate symptoms, I will give a succinct history of 
the disorder, as it has raged near Swansea. 

The earliest account I have of any particulars be- 
gins about the year 1782 ; but, I know, it has, at times, 
visited the neighbourhood, ever since the year I76O. 
It generally begins to rage between July and the end 
of September. The cold weather, in winter, has ge- 
nerally stopped it ; but, the last visit it made us, it 
continued two entire years. In one year, a neighbour 
of ours, lost more than a hundred horses by it; and, 
the next year, we lost about thirty. It attacks both 
sexes, and every age, indiscriminately ; but animals 
at grass, in high condition, and at easy, or no work, 
appear to be most subject to it, and to have it with 
most violence. Till the last time it visited us, animals 
kept in a stable were considered as protected from it; 
horses kept in the mines, under ground, had never 
had it. I made a stable in one of our underground 
works, to remove all our horses, but, before I carried 
this plan into effect, the disease began to decline. At 
the height or the disorder, horses seldom or never re- 
cover. When an animal does recover, it is consider- 
ed as a favourable prognostic, and we look for a deli- 
very from this plague. The animals at grass are most 
liable to it ; but such as are kept in a stable, and un- 
der the best management, are also subject to the dis- 
order. In tlie year 1801, or ISO^, when it last raged 
with us, I lost a valuable horse, that was perfectly 
well groomed ; but I shall have to make some obser- 
vations on his case, when I mention the dissections, 
and the appreliensions I have of the disorder being 
contagious ; which I shall now proceed to do. 

^^ The appearance and state of the stomach are ge- 
nerally such as you have described f but^ in the valaa • 



7S 

ble hovso before mentioned^ and a few others^ which 
died of this disorder, it was not the case. 

" I beg here to observe, that I had been very strict 
in my stable regimen, and particularly in the quanti- 
ty, quality, and time of giving food and water ; and I 
attribute the emptiness of the stomach to this cause : 
though I did not prevent the disease by this precau- 
tion, it made all the symptoms milder. I am not a sur- 
geon, or a scientific man ; but, in examining the bodies 
ef horses, after death, I have been assisted by a sur- 
geon ; and have generally found, with the exception 
of the loaded stomach, and a slight inflammation, for 
a small lengtli belov*^ tlie pylorus, (the lower orifice of 
the stomach, from whicli the digested food passes in- 
to the intestines,) and, sometimes, a little repletion in 
the vessels of iliQ brain, every part free fioai disease. 
^<I could not, for a long time, believe that the dis- 
ease was contagious : I now r»^ar it is most highly so; 
but do not think, that tills circumstance has been pro- 
ved. When the disorder last began, a neighbor, who 
had lost a great many horses by it, sent a parcel of 
their skins, to a neigtibouring town, to be sold : the 
horses, that drew the vv aggon, in which they were con- 
veyed, were the next, and that in a short space of 
time, that fell victims to the disorder. Horses, that 
liad been in the stables where t!ie disorder raged, I 
were sent to work under ground ; there, also, the dis- 
order soon after made its appearance, for the first time. 
Our neighbors firmly believe it is contagious : they 
took every precaution to prevent contagion, and the 
disease left them. I was incredulous, and, at this 
time, and, at this time, we had not suffered : a horse 
fi'om their neighborhood came to graze in some fields ^ 
through which some of our hordes passed ; he died of *' 
this disorder, and was left unbuvled. From this mo- 
ment, the distemper began with us ; but, not knowing 
the circumstances of the horse remaining unburied, I 
took no precautio!], to prevent contagion. The valu- 
able liorse before mentioned was taken ill the next 



7^ 

day, and soon died. He liad been at a neighboring 
fair, and was left under the care of a man, to hold, 
wliilel did my business : I do not know that he had 
any communication with other horses, but suppose he 
must. The common farmers' horses, in this neiHi- 
borhood, aie all badly managed ; yet I have known 
those, who take proper care of their horses, who do 
not overwork them, and even those, who keep them 
at grass, lose all their horses, when their less careful 
neighbors lost none. I have known a man lose his 
whole stock twice in one year. When I began to fear 
contagion, every horse, tliatdied of tJie distemper, was 
buried without being skinned. We have had no re- 
turn these live years. 

^' Causes of the Disorder. 

^* In the mild form, in which, it appears to me, yoa 
have seen the disease, I think the causes y >u assi«-a 
sufficient ; but, (except as to some poisonous qualiV 
in the food,) I cannot think them to be the cause with 
us. I strongly suspect it arises from some poisonous 
plants, in our pastures, which, perhaps, flourish only, 
to a poisonous extent, at some particular times, and 
which have not hitherto l)een detected. I have men- 
tioned our horses having been attacked the year fol- 
fowing our neighbor's great loss, and when they were 
free from it: most of our horses were purposely kept 
in the stable; and 1 have some idea, that they were' 
fed upon hay of the same year, that our neighbor's 
horses were fed upon the preceding year : could this 
fact be ascertained, it might lead to a discovery of the 
real cause of the disorder. I suspect the poison acts 
by paralyzing the stomach, that its fulness is a conse- 
quence, and not a cause, of the disease. Mr. Cole- 
ttian was consulted,by our neighbors, at an early stage, 
during the last attack we had, and I Jdave a copy of 

7 



7.^ 

a letter from liim upon the subject. I have also a co- 
py of Mr. Bond's opinion upon a statement made to 
liim ; but neither of them ever saw the progress of the 
disorder with us^ and they do not appear to me to 
have thrown any light upon the subject. 

^^ I shall be much flattered, if my communication 
^affords you any information you may think worth no- 
tice. If you wish an explanation of any thing 1 have 
stated; I shall be happy in endeavoring to give it. 

^i I am,'- &c. 



March 7, 1811. 

/• Sir, 

<^» Since 1 wrote to you, in London, I have re- 
viewed my papers, and I do not see reason to alter 
any thing 1 liave said in the letter you refer to my 
having written about two years ago, and of which I 
have kept a copy ; but as you have made some inqui- 
ries respecting the disorder of my own valuable horse, 
and his treatment, I send you the fullest account I 
have of it, and some observations made by Mr. Col- 
lins^ an intelligent surgeon, at Swansea, to whom I 
communicated the particulars of the case at the time. 
They are as follows : 

. ^^ March S, 1802. — My own riding horse, in high 
condition, and capitally groomed, lost his appetite : 
having a cough, it was supposed to be from cold. 

" March 3. — He was blooded. His blood was con- 
sidered as in a bad state ; (note, I did not see the blood, 
nor do I know in what respect it was considered as 
bad.) When led out, he seemed stiff; and, wheii 
taken in again, he ran first against the stall, then 
against the rack, as if he did not see. He then liad 
father a strong dose of aloes, and a pint of olive oil : 
he then became violent. At four o'clock I came in i 



7^ 



lie was extremely ill, but did not seem to me to have 
any appearance peculiar to the distemper : he had just 
staled freely. Between nine and ten^ he fell, or lay 
down : between twelve and one, he died. Early in 
the afternoon^ the groom observed, that the near ear 
was quite cold ; the otJser, temperate. Our farrier 
said, the whole of the near side was cold two hours 
before he died. His jav/ became locked about the 
same period. I did not see liim after four o'clock. 

'' Upon opening the body, the appearances were 
altogether healthy : no inHanimation of any part; no 
distension of the stomach 5 the food quite moist ; the 
braiu uninjured. 

" Extract of a letter from Mr. Collins, 

^^ I am very sorry to find you have lost your fa- 
vorite horse, and I am much inclined to think, with 
the farrier, that it was apoplexy, or palsy. Was the 
state of the brain examined? — I do not think it was 
the distemper. Palsy frequently succeeds apoplexy, 
from the pressure of extravasated blood in one hemis- 
phere of the brain. He certainly died paralytic, as 
appears from the coldness of one ear, and failure of 
circulation on that side. 

"Fn^m a letter I wrote to Mr. Rick ward, some 
time afterward, detailing our losses, and of which I 
have a copy, 1 find I considered the case as anoma- 
lous ; but, upon the whole, I am disposed to think it 
was a peculiar form of the same disease, which we 
have, in this country, denominated the distemper. I 
have suspected, th.it the d-istension of the stomach with 
food has arisen from a paralysis of the stomach, so 
that food conveyed there remained immovable. If it 
arise from a poisonous quality in the food, this may 
be the way it acts.— We have not had any return Of 
the distemper since 180B. 



76 

'* To enable you to judge, and form an opinion 
fVom facts, I shall send you, by the mail from Swan- 
sea, in a parcel, a statement of a variety of cases, by 
Mr. Collins, whom I have named above : and I also 
send you some memoranda of cases and observations 
made by myself at the time they are dated. I sliall 
be very happy if they tend to throw any light on the 
subject. 

^^ As I have not any copies of these papers, and 1 
have not time to have them copied, I have to request, 
that you will return them to me in a parcel, directed 
to this place, so soon as you shall have done with them. 
If they should suggest any thing, whicli may lead you 
to make any farther inquiries, I shall be happy in en- 
deavoring to procure you any farther information you 
may desire. 

" I am, sip," &c. jhl 



The following is a copy of some observations made 
by an intelligent surgeon, who had many opportuni- 
ties of seeing the disease, and carefully examined the 
bodies that died of it, in the year 1800, at which time 
the disorder w as prevalent : 

'' In 1786, the distemper appeared in June, and 
continued during July, August, and September. 

^*In 1787, it began in July, and continued during 
August, September, and great part of October. 

" In 1786, the summer was wet. In 1787^ the spring 
was wet, but the summer w arm, and a very luxuriant 
crop of latter grass. In 1800, the summer was unu- 
sually dry and hot : great crops of hay, but no after 
grass. Horses of all ages, and of both sexes, were 
equally liable to the distemper. More horses were 
attacked at a;rass than in stable. Idle and working 



I 



77 

horses were affected ; but more of the former, partic- 
ularly when in high condition : in these the disorder 
was more violent, and very few recovered. 

^^ Causes, 

'^ Not known. In 1787, the disease was attributed 
to the luxuriance of the after grass ; but this year, 
tliere is none. The water of the river was supposed 
to have some bad quality ; but, upon being analysed) 
nothing of the sort was discovered. 

^^ Authors, 

*'• None treat of it accurately; but a disease described 
in Wood's Farriery, published in 176% nearly re*« 
sembles it. 

*'• Symptoms, 

•• Heaviness, stupor, laziness at work, swinging 
the head from side to side, or pushing it forward, or 
resting it in the manger, but never turning it round, 
or drawing it backward ; often standing for hours mo- 
tionless ; then slight twitches of tlie limbs, and otlier 
parts of the body. They seem weak, and afraid of 
falling. Heaving of the flanks. Ears cold. Eyes 
glassy. Some grow immediately stiff, and the jaw is 
frequently locked. Some beat their heads about, and 
kick out at every tiling ; but are never observed to 
kick their bellies, as in gripes, 

" Progress, 

^^The first symptoms increase ; beating the head 
against the ground or manger ; often forcing ihenoge 
through the bars of the hay racks. The jaw becomes 



78 

closely locked. They fall. The twitching incveas- 
es. Violent perspiration breaks out in sorae : in oth- 
ers, the skin is dry and tight, the eyes open and sta- 
ring, yet the horse appears to be blind. He makes 
water frequently, which is forced out as if by a gene- 
ral spasm. 

*' Fatal Symptoms 

'' The coldness and stiffness of the whole body in- 
crease. The loins extremely pinched in. The eyes 
very glassy. The jaw closely locked. Dung very 
dark and dry. 

'' Sj/mptoms of recovery, 

^^ Very few recovered : in these, coldness of the ears 
and body lessened ; the jaw became relaxed ; convul- 
sions abated ; the eye appeared more lively ; staling 
less frequent, and without appearance of spasm ; they 
attempted to eat and to drink ; the dung became mois- | 
ter, and of a light colour. Oat of fourscore, only four 
were supposed to have recovered. One of these, be- 
ing turned out, ran round the Held several times, then 
fell, and died. Another seemed to have been reliev- 
ed hy profuse bleeding. 

^» The- disease is not discovered till the case is be- 1 
come dcsj)erate, and usually kills in twenty or thirty 
hours. Almost every remedy has been tried without 
effect ; viz. bleeding, hot bath?, calomel, purging me- 
dicine, salts, opium, camphor, James' powder, and as- 
afcetida. None of them appeared to be of service.*' 
Six horses, that died of the distemper, w-ere exam- 
ined by this gentleman. In four of them, the sto- 
mach was loaded with food, and much distended ; in 
one, the stomacli was nearly empty, but the large 
bowels were loaded 3 in another; there was not much 



7a 

distention of tlie stomach, but the large intestines 
were loaded, and the rectum, or last bowel, full of 
hard dung. In all of them, the lower part of the sto- 
mach was more or less inflamed ; and in some, the in- 
testines also, as well as the membrane which covers 
them, and by which they are connected together. 
From the observations of those gentlemen, it appears, 
that the disease, which has, at times, proved so des- 
tructive, in the neighbourhood of Swansea, bears a 
striking resemblance to that I have called Stomach 
Staggers, and is probably the same disease in a 
more violent degree. That the principal seat of the 
disease is the stomach, has been clearly proved, by 
examining the bodies of horses that died of it : in 
every instance, that has come under my observation, 
the stomach was excessively distended ; but the brain 
was perfectly free from disease. The stomach and 
intestines were, generally, more or less inilamed; 
but it was evidently in consequence of the excessive 
distension of the former. With respect to its being 
caused by some poisonous plant, an opinion suggested 
in the foregoing letter, and in the Treatise on Veteri- 
nary Medicine to which that gentleman alludes; tho' 
it has, at first, an appearance of probability, it cer- 
tainly docs not sufficiently explain the disease. I have 
known a horse at ^^vass violently attacked with stag- 
gers, of which he died : other horses were immedi- 
ately afterwards put into the&ame field, without con- 
tracting the disease. In several instances, the disor- 
der has Gccurretl to u horse, that has been kept with 
many others, all feeding from the same hay, without 
affecting any of the rest. Some years r.go, in a large 
village and its neighborhood, near Bath, the disease 
was very prevalent, and destroyed a gi'eat number of 
horses. It was usual, in this place, to give a consid- 
erable q!!iantity of chalfe*, or cut straw, to the horses. 
After some time, it was conjectured, that the disease 
might have been caused by the horses feeding greedi- 



ly on chaff. This mode of feeding was discontinued; 
and, since that time, they have had no return of the^ 
complaint. 

According to my experience, the staggers more fre- 
quently attack old horses, that have been worked 
hard, than such as are young and fresh. They have 
more frequently occurred to horses employed by little 
farmers, where they are coarsely fed, and often work- 
ed hard, than to such as are properly managed. In 
a large waggon concern, where I have for many years 
attended the horses, I have never seen a single case 
of stomach staggers : in two other concerns, of the 
same kind, several cases have occurred. In the for- 
mer concern, I had an opportunity of observing, that 
the horses were, in every respect, extremely well 
managed, and not overworked ; but I had no oppor- 
tunity of seeing how the others were treated. 

1 had the honour of serving, as veterinary surgeon, 
In the royal dragoons, seven years, during which time 
there did not occur a single case of stomach staggers, 
nor have I ever heard of a case in any other regi- 
ment. In short, it appears that this disease depends 
on the stomach becoming torpid, or losing its energy, 
in consequence of a horse's feeding greedily, and par- 
ticularly when his food is of a bad quality, and diffi- 
cult of digestion. Such is the connexion between the 
stomach and the brain, that, when the former is thus 
loaded with food, and incapable of digesting it, the 
latter is necessarily affected, and the symptoms pro- 
duced are such, as would lead a person, unacquaint- 
ed with the subject, to imagine, that the brain Avas the 
original seat of the disease. With respect to that 
acute form, which the staggers assumed in the neigh- 
borhood of Swansea, I can readily conceive, that the 
stomach may become torpid, or have its natural ener- 
gy so diminished, by various causes, as to produce all 
the symptoms by which the disease is characterised. 
I do not think it probable^ that it is caused by an;/ 



81 

poisonous vegetables among the hay or grassj from 
the circumstauces before stated : but this matter should 
be carefully inrestigated, when the disease again oc- 
curs in that neighborhood ; for^ if any such plant could 
be discov ered, it would lead, perliaps, to an effectual 
mode of prevention. As to the cure of staggers, I 
believe there is little chance of it, unless the disorder 
is attended to at an early period. The stupor and 
heaviness of the head naturally lead us to expect re- 
lief from copious bleeding. Dissection, however, has 
proved, that the brain is not inflamed, or overloaded 
witii blood ; and, in numerous instances, the most co- 
pious bleeding has been found ineffectual. In every 
case, except one, where purging has been brought on^ 
the horse has recovered. (See case 3.) When the 
disease had continued tliree or four days, and the 
treatment here recommended had been adopted, I 
have, in three cases, observed, that the stomach had 
discharged its contents in some measure, and that the 
large intestines were excessively loaded : it appear- 
ed, indeed, that purging would have taken place in 
anothei day, had the horses lived so long. 



On the treatment of Stomach Sta^s;gP7's. 

As soon as this disease is observed, let the purging 
ball be given, and washed down with a little warm 
water ; let the hand be introduced into the gut, and all 
hard dung, that may be found, removed. The fol- 
lowing clyster is then to be injected ; 



CLYSTER, 

Hot water, - • - - 1 gal, 

Common salt^ - - - 4 lb. 

Olive oil, - . . ♦ 4 oz.. 

Mix. 



1S^ 

Give the horse, every hour, a pint of warm water^ 
with half an ounce of compound spirit of ammonia, 
and let the clyster be repeated three or four times. 
Twice a day, add to the warm water and spirit of 
ammonia, two drams of finely powdered cascarilla. 
These remedies (except the purging ball) must be 
persevered in till purging comes on. I am not con- 
vinced, that bleeding is necessary, except when the 
horse is violent; yet I have always had recourse to 
it ; but never with any apparent advantage. In two 
cases, the horses were bled profusely, without causing 
an abatement of the symptoms. When we are so for- 
tunate as to bring on a purging, it is probable the 
horse will recover ; and, v*^hen the purging has be- 
come considerable, and the horse appears to be re- 
lieved, looking more lively, and showing an inclina- 
tion for food, he should take frequently a small quan- 
tity of good gruel ^ but no hay or corn should be al- 
lowed for two days, or until the stomach and bowels 
are perfectly unloaded. By a proper perseverance in 
this treatment, I have, in several instances, succeed- 
ed ; but it is necessary to attack the disease at its ear- 
liest period ; for, when the stomach is distended to a 
certain degree, its power is irrecoverably lost. 

CASE I. 

A waggon horse was attacked with stomach stag- 
gers. When I saw him, he was quiet insensible, and 
had all the usual symptoms : the pulse exactly the 
sa-ne as in health : lie took the purging ball, and, im- 
mediately after, a pint of warm water, iu whi; h were 
added four ouaces of tincture of asaf'^tida. Clysters 
were injected several times a day, iiud the warm wa- 
ter, Vv'ith the spirit jf amjuonia^ u as given frecpeiitly: 
the fi)lbwii]ig d:t;y, he was wor-i^^ the pu^Tv^rj? bill 
and cly seers were repetUcd ^ but be c.ntiaued to get 



83 

worse, and, during the nighty died. The purgatives 
And clysters had not removed the costiveness. The 
horse had been bled^ also, from the temporal arteries, 
and from the jugular vein, to a considerable extent, 
without appearing to be, in the least degree, relieved 
by it. 

The stomach was distended to an immense size, 
and full of undigested food, consisting chiefly of oats 
and beans, great part of which had been swallowed 
unbroken. There was some appearance of inflamma- 
tion about the stomach and first intestine ; but tliis 
evidently proceeded from the excessive distension of 
the stomach. The brain was, in every respect, per- 
fectly healthy. 

CASE II. 

A horse, employed in a brewery, and fed upon oats 
and hay, was attacked with symptoms of stomach 
staggers : in this case, however, the horse was violent 
at times, so that it was difficult to give him medicine 
or clysters. He was bled freely, from the temporal 
artery, and was treated as in the former case, except 
that no asafcetida was given. On the second day, he 
appeared rather better ; and, in the afternoon, he be- 
gan to dung freely ; towards evening, a purging took 
place. The next day, he was quite well, and has had 
no return of the disease. 

CASE III. 

A waggon horse had the stomach staggers : he was 
bled from the temporal artery, took the purging ball, 
and was clystered three or four times a day : in short, 
he was treated in the manner before described. The 
following day, the horse being still costive, one half 
of the purging ball was given, and he was again bled 



84 

H 

freely; in tlie afternoon, lie began to purge, and ap. 
peared rather better ; but, the next morning, he grew 
much worse, though he still continued to void soft 
dung. This circumstance led me to suppose, that |P 
inflammation of the brain was coming on, particularly 
as the horse was unusually restless, and appeared, 
in some degree, delirious : he was, therefore, bled 
largely, from tiie temporal artery, had a rowel pla- 
ced under the jaw, and the head was blistered : at 
night, he died. On opening the body, I was aston- 
ished to find the stomacli loaded with hard, undigest- 
ed food, as the horse, during the last day, had dung- 
ed freely. It appeared, from this, that the purgativ e 
had passed nto the bowels, without causing the sto- 
mach to discharge its contents, where it acted in the 
usual manlier : this is the only way in which I can 
account for the purging. 

CASE IV. 

A waggon horse had the stomach staggers, and was 
treated in the usual manner. On the morning of the 
second day, the purgative was repeated, and the oth- 
er remedies pei^severed in ; during the night, he ap- 
peared to be griped ; but at length he began to dung 
freely, and appeared much relieved ; he continued to 
discharge large quantities of dung, which appeared 
to consist, in a great measure, of undigested oats and 
beans, and had a ver;y offensive smell : he was con- 
siderably relieved, and seemed to have aw inclination 
for food ; but he was allowed to take gruel only. The 
horse had so bruised his head and nose, by forcing it 
against the wall and manger, that there was much 
swelling above the eyes and ahout the nose ; there was 
also a discharge of matter frotn the nostrils. The 
horse perfectly recovered, and had no return of tlie 
disease. It is of importance to remark, that, in this 
horse, as well as ia that of case 3, the disease was no- 



8u 

ticed at au early period ; and I iiave reason to be- 
lieve, that they were more strictly attended to by the. 
servants, to whose care they were entrusted, than 
horses, in this complaint, usually are. 

PURGING BALL. 

Barbadoes aloes, powdered, - 1 oz. 
Calomel, - - - - | oz. 

Cascarilla, finely powdered, - 3 dr. 

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 



Some years ago, 1 gave two drams of the carbonat 
€f ammonia, with the above ball, and employed a 
smaller dose of calomel. The formula I have here 
given, however, appears to me to be the best. The 
bail should be given without paper, and washed down 
with two or three hornfuls of warm water. The 
mode of treatment I have recommended is, I believe, 
the most effectual that can be employed : there is but 
little chance of euccess, however, unless it is resorted 
to at the commencement of the disease. It is proba- 
ble, I think, that t^ie same treatment would be found 
useful in that acute form, which the disorder occasion- 
ally assumes, as described in the first letter, and the 
observations which follow it. It is there stated, that 
purging medicines a'ld calomel were given without 
effect, that is, were given separately, and the latter, 
probably, in a small dose ; but it does not appear, that 
the medicine was assisted by the means I have re- 
commended, that is, by clysters, and by giving fre- 
quently warm water, joined with a powerful stimu- 
lant, to soften the undigested food, and excite the sto- 
mach to action. With respe^to the valuable horse 
mentioned in the letter, in which, after death, the sto- 
mach and bowels were found in a natural state, it ap 

a 



8« 



pears to me, tliat he die<l of some other disease, the 
symptoms there described being unlike those which 
occur in staggers. My experience leads me to; be- 
lieve, that the staggers are not contagious ; but the 
circumstances, stated in the foregoing letter, seem to 
confirm the opinion, that they were highly contagious 
in the neighborhood of Swansea. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Diarrhoea f or Purging, 

This is not a very common disease in the horse, and 
seldom difficult of cure. It may be occasioned by a 
suppression of perspiration, or by an increased secre^- 
tion of bile. From whatevef cause it may proceed, 
give in the first place the following laxative ball ; and 
;, if the disease do not cease in t\yo or three days, let 
the astringent ball be given. Warm clothing is par- 
ticularly required in this complaint, and exercise 
should not be neglected ; his water should be mode- 
rately warm, and given frequently in small quaniities. 
. "When a purging is accompanied with griping pains 
»v jajid fever, it is to be considered as a case of inflam- 
niation iii the bowels^ and treated accordingly. 

I : - 

.,;•' • LAXATIVE BALL. 

Barbadoes aloes, - - - 2 ftr. 

Powdered rhubarb, - « 3 dr- 

Cascarilla bark powdered, - SJ dr. 

Castile soap, - - - - S dr; 

Birup enough to form a ball for one dose. 



87 

ASTRINGENT B.VLL. 

Powdered opiiua^ " - - - i*dr. 

Prepared chalky - - . 6 dr. 

Powdered cinnamon^ or cassia^ ' - IJdr. 

Tartarised antimony, - - 2 dr. 

To be formed into a ball \yith sirup, or mixed into 
drink with raiiit water for one dose. 



TMs disease often proves extre-elj Gfcstinfue, and 
not unfrequently incurable : I am inclined to believe^ 
however, that if attended to at its commencement, a 
cure may be effected without iimch difficulty. The 
complaint at first consists merely in an increased se- 
cretion of urine, the horse staling frequently, and in 
considerable quantity; the urine is generally transpa- 
rent and colourless like water ; at length he becomes 
feverish, the month feels dry^ and he seems to suffer 
much from thirst ; the appetite is diminished, and the 
pulse becomes quick ; he is generally hidebound, arid 
gradually loses ilesh and strength. Lime water has 
been much recommended as a remedy for this disease; 
1 have seen it given, however, in two cases, without 
any good effect. Others recommend diaphoretic me- 
dicines, from a supposition that it depends in great 
measure upon a suppression of perspiration. Bark 
and other tonics have also been considered as useful 
remedies. I luid four cases of diabetes under my care, 
nearly about the same time, and thev w^erc all spee- 
dily cured by means of the following ball. 



88 

BALL FOR DIABETESw 



• 



i^pium, ----- 1 di. 
Powdered ginger, - - - ^ dr. 
Yellow Peruvian bark, - - | oz. 

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 

But these were all recent cases, and not attended 
Avith fever, nor had the horse lost much strengili, or 
become hidebound in any considerable degree ; yet 
the disease was well marked, and would, I doubt not, 
have produced all these symptoms, had it not been 
opposed as soon almost as it made its appearance. In 
all these cases the quantity of urine discharsicd v/as 
very considerable ; the mouth was dry ; and there ap- 
peared to be a constant thirst. It seems, therefore, 
highly necessary to attend to this disease at its com- 
jnencement, since, if neglected, it becomes extremely 
obstinate, and sometimes incurable. Should the above 
remedy fail, try one of thefbllowing formulae. 



HALLS FOR DIABETES* 




No. 1. 




Emetic tartar, 

Opium, 


- S dr. 
1 dr. 



To be made into a ball for one dose. 

No. 2. 

Salt of hartshorn, - - . g dr. 

Opium, . . , . I dr. 

Powdered ginger, - - - 1 dr. 

Liquorice powder, - - - 3 dr. 

To be made iuto a ball for one doso. 



No. 3. 

Salt of steel, - - - - I oz. 
Myrrlv - . - - % dr. 

Ginger, - . - - - 1 dr. 

To be made into a ball for one dose. 

No. 4. 

Powdered columbo root, - - 3 dr. 

Cascarilla, - - - - S dr. 

Salt of steel. . - - - 3i dr. 

Prepared kali, - - - li dr. 

Tincture of opium, - - - i oz. 

To be mixed with strong beer, or porter, and given as 

a drink at once. 

Remark. — The horse's diet should be nutrition^s, 
and easy of digestion ; and he should be allowed to 
drink small quantities of weak lime water ; or; if he 
refuse this, coiumon water frequentl^f . 



Siij)pression of Urine, 

Horses are often attacked with a difficulty in sta- 
ling or making water, sometimes amounting to a total 
suppression of that excretion. This most commonly 
arises from sprism in the neck of the bladder, or from 
hardened excrement in the rectum or latter part of the 
intestines. 

In the first place let the hard excrement be careful- 
ly removed by the hand, and a common clyster ; ami 

-'8 *• 



.90 



if the liorse happen to be costive^ give the following 
laxative : 

Barbadoes aloes^ in powder, - 2 dr. 

Prepared kali^ ^ . . i dr. 

Water^ 6 oz. 

Castor oil^ . - . . 4 oz. 

To be given as a drink. 

Should the disease continue, give the following 
ball ; or if the horse be not costive^ let it be given at 
first. 

Nitre, - - - 1 oz- 

Caraphor - - -2 dr. 

Linseed powder and sirup enougli to form a ball for 

one dose. 

Should there be any appearance of fever, or should 
the horse appear to feel pain when tlie loins are pres- 
sed upon, it is probable that the kidneys are infla- 
med. In such cases the ball would be improper. (See 
Inflammation of the Kidneys.) 



Worms. 

There ate three kinds of worms found in horses. 
The most common and mischievous reside in the sto- 
mach, and are named hots. They are of a reddish 
colour, and seldom exceed three quarters of an inch in 
length. At one extremity they have two small hooks, 
fcy which tliey attach themselves, and the belly seems 
to be coycrrd with very small feet : They are most 



91 

frcqiiGiitly foiiiul adhering to tlie insensible coat of tlie 
stomach, and then they do not appear to cause any 
considerable uneasiness or inconvenience. Sometimes^ 
however, they attach themselves to the sensible part^ 
and do great injury to this important organ, keeping 
up a constant irritation, and thereby occasioning ema- 
ciation^ a rough staring coat, hidebound, and a cough* 
I have met with several instances of tlieir destroying 
the horse^ by ulcerating the stomach in a considera- 
ble degree ; and cases are recorded where they have 
penetrated quite through the stomach. It is astonish- 
ing with what force these w orms adhere, and how te- 
nacious they are of life : they have been found to re- 
sist the strongest poisons, nor have we yet discovered 
any medicine capable of destroying them, or of de- 
taching tliem from their situation. It seems probable 
thattliis worm, like the caterpillar, undergoes several 
changes. It is said to be originally a ily^, which, de- 
positing its eggs in the horse's coat, causes an itching 
that induces him to bite the part. In this way he i.s 
supposed to swallow some of the eggs, which, by the 
heat of the stomach, are brought to maturity, and pro- 
duce hots. When the hots are fit to assume the chry- 
salis state, they are spontaneously detached, and gra- 
dually pass off with the fseces. This is the most ra- 
tional account we have of their production. 

It has been asserted, that the fly from which bot^ 
are produced crawls into the anus of horses, and de- 
posits its eggs there ; that the worms when hatched 
soon find their way further up the intestines, and of- 
ten penetrate into the stomach. This account is lit- 
erally copied by a late writer on Veterinary Pathol- 
ogy^' 5 but it appears to me rather strange, that any 
one who has considered the structure of the horse's 
intestines should for a moment give credit to it. It 
seems impossible indeed for these worms to crawl 
from the anus to the stomach ; and, as far as my obr 

*.Ryding's Veterinaiy Patholo^. 



9S 

servatioii goes, they are never found residing in the 
intestines. Sometimes we find two or three, bnt; they 
are evidently proceeding towards the anus to be ex- 
pelled. I have before observed, that I am not acquain- 
ted with any medicine that is capable of detaching 
or destroying these worms, thougi» I have frequently 
tried the strongest mercurial preparations, and many 
powerful medicines. 

I have used tlic yellow emetic mercury, or tlie vit- 
riolated quicksilver, as recommended by the writer 
just quoted, as well as every other mercurial prepa- 
ration, but never saw a single hot expelled by them. 
[See Bots and Worms^ x\ppendix. 

The next worm we liave to describe is very slen- 
der, of a blackish colour, and seldom exceeds tvi o 
inches in length. It is never found in the stomach, 
and very rarely in the small intestines, the largest 
part of the canal being generally the place of its re- 
sidence. Here it proves a constant source of irrita- 
tion, occasioning loss of condition, a rough unhealthy 
looking coat, and frequently a troublesome cough. A 
variety of alterative medicines have been proposed 
for the destruction of worms of this kind, and some 
of them are supposed to be infallible : I believe, how- 
ever, that none of them are possessed of much effica- 
cy, and we ought not therefore to depend upon them. 

Tlie following are the alterative.'^ to which I allude: 
—savin, rue, b{>x, sethiops mineral, antimony, sul- 
phur, emetic tartar, calomel, and vitriolated quicksil- 
ver; the last two, if given with aloes, so as to purge 
briskly, and particularly the calomrl, are excellent 
remedies ; but given merely as nlteratives they do no 
good. 

I have generally found the following ball very ef- 
fectual, giving the preceding night from half a dram 
to a dram of calomel. I have often mixed the calo- 
mel with the ball, and found it equally efficacious : 
the former method, however^ is generally preferred. 



93 



THi: BALL. 



Barbadoes aloes, - - . 6 dr. 
Powdered ginger, - - If dr. 

Oil of wormwood, . - . 20 dropsj 
Prepared natron, - - - 2 dr. 

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 

It is often necessary to repeat this medicine, but 
iliere should always be an interval of ten days be- 
tween each dose. 

The thii'd kind of worm is of a whitish color, fre- 
quently seven or eight inches in length, and generally 
found m the lower part of the small intestines. Worms 
of this kind are not so common as the others, but ap- 
pear to consume a considerable quantity of chyle, or 
the nutritious parts of tbe food. They may be got 
rid of by the same means that we have recommended 
for the small blackish worm. 

We may always be satisfied of the existence of 
worms in tbe intestines, when a whitish or light straw 
colored powder is observed immediately beneath the 
anus. I have sometimes succeeded in destroying 
worms, by giving one dram and a half of aloes every 
morning until purging was produced. 



Hidebound. 



This term implies a tightness of the skin, which 
feels as if it were glued to tlie ribs, the coat having 
at the same time a rough unhealthy appearance. This 
complaint is generally occasioned by worms or want 
of attention in the groom : it occurs sometimes, how- 
ever, without any manifest cause. In such cases give 
tixe alterative ball No. 1 every morning, until mode^ 



94 

fate purging is produced ; and if this do not succeed^ 
try the alterative No. 2^ wliich is to be given every 
morning for eight or ten days, taking care to asswslf 
its operation by warm clothing, good grooming, and 
regular exercise. The exercise should not be confi- 
ned to walking, but may be carried so far as to ex^ 
cite a moderate perspiration. Great care must after- 
ward be taken that the liorse does not get cold. Let 
him be put into the stable while warm, and immedi- 
ately clothed : when the legs and liead have been well 
cleaned, remove the cloth, and continue to rub the 
body with large wisps of clean straw, until it is 
quite dry. 

I cannot forbear mentionhig liero a rcmedv that u 
employ^edin some parts of Staffordshire for this com- 
plaint, as it clearly evinces how necessary it is to 
rescue this valuable animal from the barbarous and 
absurd treatment of illiterate blacksmiths. An ac- 
count of this operation was sent me by a gentleman 
who saw it practised a few months ago. '' The head 
and legs of the horse being secured, two men, ((me on 
each side) pull the hide from the ribs in about fifty 
places with pincers. '\ The proprietor of this unfor- 
tunate animal must snrely have been destitute of com- 
mon sense or humanity, to allow an ignorant unfeel- 
ing farrier to perform so cruel and fruitless an ope- 
ration. 



ALTERATIVE BALLS. 

No. 1. 

Barbadoes aloes, - - 1 oz. 

Castile soap, - - ^9 dr. 

Powdered ginger, - . (^ dr. 

Sirup enough to form a mass, to be divided into four 

doses. 



95 

No. S. 

Tartarised antimony^ - - S§ oz. 

^ Powdered ginger^ - - - !§ oz. 

Opium, - . ^ ^ i oz. 

Sirup enough to form a mass, to be divided into eight 

balls. 



Surfeit, 

This absurd term is given hy farriers to a disease 
of the skill, consisting in small tumors or knobs which 
appear suddenly in various parts of the body, some- 
times in consequence of drinking largely of cold wa- 
ter, when the body is unusually warm ; but it appears 
frequently without any manifest cause. It may be 
easily cured by bleeding moderately, or giving a lax- 
ative ball : sometimes, indeed, it goes off without any 
medical assistance. There is another disease of the 
skin, of i\vd same name, w hicli is generally more ob- 
stinate, an*) attacks horses that are hidebound and out 
of condition. In this a great number of very small 
scabs may be left in various parts of the body ; the 
horse is frequently rubbing himself; and sometimes 
the hair falls off from those parts which he rubs. 
This complaint approaches to the nature of mange, 
and requires the same treatment, assisted by a gene- 
rous diet, good grooming, and regular exercise. 
(See Condition and Humours^ Appendix.) 



96 

Mange. 

This disease is seldom met with except in stables 
%vhere scarcely any attention is paid to the horses^ 
and where their food is of the worst quality ; it is 
certainly very contagious, and may in this way attack 
horses that are in go()d condition. It is known to ex- 
ist by the horse constantly rubbing or biting himself^, 
so as to remove the hair, and sometimes produce ul- 
ceration ; the hair of the main and tail frequenily falls 
off^ and small scabs are observable about the roots of 
that which remains. The mange is, I believe, a local 
disease, and requires only the following ointment oi' 
lotion for its removal : in obstinate cases, however, 
it may be advisable to try the effect of the following 
alterative. 



MANGE OINTMENT* 

No, 1. 

Sulphur vivum, finely powdered^ - 4<oz. 
Oil <jf turpentine, - - - 3 oz. 
Hog's lard^ 6 oz. 

Mix. 

No. 2. 

Oil of turpentine, - - - 4oz. 

Strong vitriolic acid, - - - | oz. 

Mix cautiously, putting in the acid by a little at a 

time, and add 
Train oil, . . - . G oz. 

Sulphur viviim^ - - - - 4j oz. 

Mix, 



97 



MANGE I^OTIOX. 

White hellebore, powdered, - 4 oz. 

Boil in 3 pints of water to 1 quarts then add 

Muriate of quicksilver, - - 2 dr. 

that has been previously dissolved in three drams of 

muriatic acid. 

ALTEPt.\TlVE FOR MANGE 

Muriate of quicksilver, - - i oz. 

Tartarised antimony, - - - 3 oz. 

Powdered aniseeds, - - - 6 oz. 

Powdered ginger, - - - 2 oz. 

Sirup enough to form a mass, to be divided into six- 
teen balls, one of which is to be given every mor- 
ning. 

Sliould this appear to diminish or take off the appe- 
tite, or create a purging, they must be discontinued 
two or three days. 



Grease. 

This disease consists iu an inilammation, swelling, 
and consequent discharge froin the heels, the matter 
having a peculiar, oifensive smell, and the heels being 
sometimes in a state of ulceration ; the swelling fre- 
quenlly extends above the fetlock joint, sometimes as 
high as the knee or hock. Wiien the inilammation 
and swelling are considerable, apply a large poultice 
to the heels (See P ml- ice,) taking care to keep it con- 
stantly moist by adding to it occasiouaUv a little warm 
^yater : at the same time let a dose of physic be giv- 

9 



98 

en. After three or four days tiie inflammation and 
swelling will have abated considerably, the poultice 
may then be discontinued, and the astringent lotion 
applied five or six times a day. Should the heels be 
ulcerated, apply the astringent ointment is the ul- 
cers ; and if they be deep and do not heal readily, 
wash them with the detergent lotion previous to each 
dressing. Regular exercise is of the higliest impor- 
tance, but it is necessary t > choose a clean and dry 
situation for the purpose. * 

In slight cases of grease, the astringent lotion and 
a few diuretic balls will generally be f^^und siifScient 
to effect a cure ; but when the disease is of long stan- 
ding, and particuhu'ly if the horse have suffered from 
it before, there will be more diHiculty in lis removal. 
In such cases the following alterative powder may be 
given in the corn every day, until it produces a con- 
siderable diuretic effect : in very obstinate cases row^- 
els in tlie thigh have been found useful. Digitalis, 
or fox-glove, has been recomiucnded in those swel- 
lings of the legs which are the consequence of grease: 
I have not yet tried its effect in this v/ay. at least not 
sufficiently to give an opinion on the subject. It is a 
violent medicine in the horse, very apt to take off the 
appetite and injure the stomach, and must therefore 
be given with caution : the dose is from half a dram 
to one dram. 

Though the grease is most commonly occasioned ei- 
ther by high feeding and want of exercise, or by ne- 
glect in the groom, there are cases which seem to de- 
pend on general debility. I do not believe that this 
is ever the exciting cause of the disease, but am con- 
vinced that a horse is rendered more susceptible of it 
by being in a state of weakness, and that the cbm- 
p 'int sometimes owes its continuance to this cause. 
When a horse has suffered much from this disease, 
and particularly if he appear to be weak and oat of 
condition, a liberal allowance of corn will tend to re- 



99 

cover liiiiij if assisted by the astringent lotion and 
carefal grooming. In cases of this kind exercise is 
essentially necessary. It must be obvious that when 
this disease depends upon debility a dose of physic 
would not be an eligible remedy, yet" considerable 
benefit has sometimes been obtained by giving the fol- 
lowing alterative every morning until the bowelsj are 
moderately opened. 

ALTEllATIYE BALL. 

Succotrine aloes, - - - . 1 oz. 
Castile soap, - - - - ^1 ^^z. 

Powdered ginger and myrrh, of each | oz. 

Sirup enough to form a mass, to be divided into six 

balls. 

This medicine, though of an opening quality, will 
improve the horse's strength, and at the same time 
promote absorption. 

ALTERATIVE POWDER. 

Powdered resin and nitre, of each - 4 oz. 
Mix and divide into eight doses. 

Nothing tends so much to prevent grease and swel- 
ling of the legs, as frequent hand-rubbing, and clean- 
ing the heels carefully, as soon as a horse comes in 
from exercise. In inveterate cases of grease, where 
the disease appears to have become habitual in some 
degree, a run at grass is the only remedy. If a dry 
paddock can be procured, where a horse can be sbel- 
tered in bad weather, and fed with hay and corn, it 
will be found extremely convenient, as in such circum- 
stances he may perform his usual labour, and at the 



iOO 



&aine time be lie^i free from the complaint. In a fevv 
obstinate cases 1 have seen the mercurial alterative of 
service, givinj^- one ball every morning until the bow- 
els are opened. 



ASTRINGENT LOTION. 




No. 1. 




Alum powdered^ 
Vitriolic acid^ 
Water, 


1 oz. 
- i dr. 
1 pint. 


Mix. 




No. 2. 




Alum powdered, 
Vitriolatcd copper, 
Water^ - 


4 oz. 
- 1 oz. 
if pint. 


No. 3. 




Sugar of lead, 


4 oz. 


Vinegar, 
Water, 


6 oz. 
IJ pint. 



f 



Mix, 



The stiengtli of these lotions often requires to be 
filtered. Where the infiammation and iiiitability of 
the part are considerable, they must be diluted with 
an equal quantity of water ; hut if the inflammation 
be subdued, and a swelling and ulceration remain, the 
Hlum solution cannot be made too strong- 



101 

ASTRINGENT OINTMENT, , 

No. 1. 

Hog's lard, - - - 4 oz. 

Oil of turpentine, - - Stir. 

Water of acetated litharge,. - J oz. 

Mix. 

No. 2, 

Venice turpentine, - - 1 oz. 

Hog's iavd, - - - 4 oz. 

Alum, finely powdered, - 1 oz, 

MERCURIAL ALTERATIVE. 

Calomel, - - - i <^^'- 

Aloes, - - - - 1 dr. 

Castile soap, - - - 1 dr. 

Oil of juniper, - - - 30 drops. 

To be made into a ball witli sirup for one dose. 

ASTRINGENT POWDER. 

No. 1. 

Powdered alum, - - 4 oz. 

Eolc, - - - 1 oz., 

Mix, 

No. 2. 



Yitriolated zinc, powdered bole, 
of each. 



2 oz. 



D* 



No. 3. 

Acetated ceruse^ - 7 2qz, 

Bole, - - - 1 oz. 

Mix. 

(See Grapes, Swelling of the Legs, and Humours, 

Appendix.) 



Jilalanders and Salanders. 

When a scurfy eruption appears on the posterior 
part of the knee joints it is termed malanders ; and 
when the same kind of disease happens on the anteri- 
or of the liock joint^ it is named salanders. Should 
these complaints occasion lameness^ it will be proper 
to give in the first place a dose of physick. Let the 
hair be carefully clipped off from the diseased part ; 
and let all the scurf be washed off with soap and wariii 
water: a cure may then be soon effected by applying 
the folio wine: ointment twice a dav : 

THE OIXTMEXT- 

No. 1. 

Ointmentof wax orsperipaceti, - 2oz. 

Olive oil, - - - 1 oz. 

Camphor and oil of rosemary, ~) . , 

01 each - - 3 

Water of acetated litharge, - 2 dr. 

Mix. 

Xo. 2. 
^intment of nitrated quicksilver, ^ i qt^ 
olive oil, of eacli - 3 

Mix* 



103 

No. 3. 

Oil of turpentine^ - - i oz. 

Vitriolic acid^ - -. 1 dr. 

Mix cautiously^ putting the acid by a little at a time, 

and add of 
Oil of bay;, - - - 3 oz. 

Mix. 

The following lotion has often succeeded :, 

Blue vitriol, - - - 3 oz. 

Alum, - , - 3 oz. 

Water, - - - - 1. quart. 

Nitrus acid, - - - 1 dr. 

Mix^ and apply to the diseased part daily, after it 
has been well cleansed. 

(See Humours, Appendix ; and for the mode of pre- 
veution, see Grooming, Appendix.) 



CHAPTER IX. 



A description of the Glanders, 

The nature and consequences of this malignant 
disease cannot be too seriously considered by all those 
who have the management of horses. It is the inter- 
est of proprietors, no less than the duty of servants, 
to acquire a knowledge of its earliest symptoms ; and 
to attend carefully to the instructions, that are offered 
with a view to prevent the spreading of a complaint, 
which, in its nature, is highly contagious^ and lias 
hitherto proved incurable. 



Tile first symptoms of glanders are, a discliarge of 
inatter fvom one or botli nostrils, and a swelling of the 
glands, or kernels as tlicy are commonly termed, be- 
tween the branches of the lower jaw-bone. When 
the discharge of matter is from one nostril only, the 
swelling is generally confined to that side of the jaw- 
bone : this is x very common case in the early stage of 
the complaint. 

In the mild kind of glanders, the matter is small in 
quantity, and of a thin, glutinous appearance, adhe- 
ring to the exterior part of the nostril, or upper lip : 
the general health is seldom affected, the horse ap- 
pearing perfectly well in every other respect. On 
examining the interior, or red part of the nostril, in 
this stage of the complaint, ulcers are rarely observ- 
able, and the matter is free from odour ; this, indeed, 
i.« often the case after the disease has existed several 
months : yet it has been thought, that an offensive, 
smell constituted one distinguishing mark of glanders. 

The disease, sometimes, continues in this mild 
stage several months ; and, in a few instances, even 
for years ; when this happens, it is generally found 
that the horse is of a hardy constitution, is in good 
condition when attacked by it, and afte^^wards is treat- 
ed with proper care. But when the disorder attacks 
horses, that are worked hard and inadequately fed, 
or such as are of delicate constitutions ; its progress is 
usually more rapid, and the second stage soon com- 
mences. 

This is distinguished by a more copious discharge, 
often attended with ulceration in the interior ports of 
the nostrils. When the discharge is at all tinged with 
red, or mixed with streaks of blood, it is a certain 
proof of the existence of ulceration ; though perliapg 
not low enough to be discovered ; and, if the matter 
smell offensively, it is probable., that not only tbc i*ed 
membrane, but also the cartilage and hones are disea^ 
(Bed. In this stage, the matter often proceeds from both 



105 

nostrils, and tlie glands under the jaw are considera-^ 
bly enlarged. When tlie glanders arrive at the second 
stage, the strength of the horse undergoes a more or 
less rapid decline : the accumulation of matter, to^-e- 
ther with the thickened and ulcerated state of ?he 
parts within the nostril, in some degree obstructs res- 
piration, and causes a snuffling noise in hreatliing, 
which may be often heard at the distance ©f several 
yards. On the occurrence of tijese symptoms, the lungs 
are always affected with tubercles, or abscesses ; and 
the animal soon falls a victim to tlie disease. 

The glanders, sometimes, attacks with great vio- 
lence ; beginning with a copious discharge of maftei* 
from the nostrils, and ulceration of the membrane 
within them. In such cases, the horse soon becomes 
weak and emaciated, and in a short time sinks under 
the complaint. 

I have met with many instances, in w^ich glas'' ? 
Avere preceded by general indisposition. The hovt ^ 
«^ppeared weak and languid, and fed badly ; proceed- 
ing at times in this way for two or three v/eeks, with 
a gradual loss of strength and iiesh. At lengt'4^ the 
symptoms which are supposed to constitute gjianders 
made their appearance ; tliat is to say, th<jre w^as a 
discharge of matter from the nostrils, and the glands 
under the jaw became enlarged. 

In cases of this nature, it is commonly thought, that 
the glanders are generated ; or that the disease is a 
consequence of t her general debility, under which the 
animal labours : but I think it far more probable^ that 
it is the effect of contagion. 

A swelling of thf3 gland under the jaw is sometimes 
observed, without any discharge from the nostrils. In 
such instances, we generally find, that at some former 
period the horse has had the farcy, or has been kept 
with glandered horses; and, on a careful inspection-, 
a slight degree of moisture is usually perceived in the 
Bostril, which is on the same side as the swelling ; 01: 



106 

an appearance, as though the more flaid parts of die 
discharge had evaporated, leaving a dirty coloured 
coating upon the parts. But if this symptom be not 
visible, we may learn from the person who has atten- 
ded or worked the horse, that such an appearance has 
at times been observed, or that the horse has occasion- 
ally thrown out matter in snorting. This circumstance, 
therefore, is sufficient to excite suspicion, however tri- 
fling the swelling and discharge maybe; especially 
when it is known, that the horse has had the farcy at 
any former period, or has ever been exposed to infec- 
tion. 

It is astonishing in how slight degree the glander;? 
sometiaies exist in horses of strong constitutions, that 
are fed well and moderately worked. Bnch instances 
often occur among our cavalry ; where, upon the slight- 
est cause for suspicion, tht; horse is (generally) sepa- 
rale'd from the rest, and not em;)loyed in any duty ; 
though the allowance of forage issued for him is the 
same as though he were regularly worked. 

It sometimes happens, that the discharge from the 
nostril ceases for a time ; but the swelling of the 
gl Mids under the jaw generally remains, the discharge 
sooner or later returns, and the disease ultimately 
proves fatal. 

The following case, sent to me by a gentleman, 
who keeps a great number of liorses, will serve as an 
example of this : " lJj)on examining our horses, I 
found one with a suspicious running: I had him im- 
mediately separated : in the course of a few days the 
running ceased ; and, as the horse appeared perfectly 
well, he was returned to the working stable. In about 
a fortnight, I found a large swelling, where it usually 
is in glanders, but no running at the nose ; the swel- 
ling was frequently bathed with salt water without ef- 
fect ; but the horse continued without any running at 
the nose for months. A decisive glanderous running 
then came on suddenly^ and the horse was destroyed." 



'107 I 

CHAPTER X. 

tl description of Farcy, 

It has been clearly ascertained, as will be shown 
hereafter, that the glanders and farcy will mutually 
produce each other, and are therefore nearly allied ; 
yet there are circumstances, which make it appear 
necessary to give them a separate consideration. 

The farcy, generally, appears in the form of small 
tumours, called buds by farriers ; or small ulcers, 
about the legs ; sometimes on the lips, face, neck, or 
other parts of tlie body. These tumours are, in some 
casjes, so small, so few in number, and create so little 
inconvenience to the animal, that, for a time, they es- 
cape observation ; at other times, they are larger, 
more numerous, painful to the touch, and spread more 
rapidly ; and, in these instances, a general swelling 
of the limb often takes place, particularly when the 
hind legs are attacked, and some degree of lameness 
ensues. 

The tumours, or buds, are at first hard, but soon be- 
come soft, and burst ; degenerating into foul ulcers, 
of a peculiar appearance. 

It is worthy of remark, that this disease always 
proceeds upwards, if in the limbs ; if in the neck, it 
advances towards the chest ; if in the lips or nose, it 
spreads tow ards the glands under the jaw ; in short, 
its invariable direction is to the heart : often in its 
course affecting the superficial glands, and causing 
them to swell, in like manner as the venereal poison, 
from a chancre, affects the glands of the groin, and 
causes buboes. 

The lines of communication between the biids^ or 
nlcers, are, generally, very observable ; particularly 
when they occur on the inside of the limbs, where the. 
sup'^rficial veins are large ; as in the thigh : they con- 
sist of what the farriers call corded veins^ but, in re 



lOS 



ality^ are inflamed and enlarged lymphatic^ or absor- 
bent vessels : which vessels very closely accompany 
the superficial veins, and are in bulk proportioned to 
the size of the vein. 

When the farcy budlms suppurated and burst, it 
sometimes spreads under the skin, forming what are 
termed sinuses, or pipes ; and when this happens on 
the hock joint, or on tlie flexor tendens of the legs, it 
generally causes considerable lameness, and is diffi- 
cult of cure. When no remedies are applied to a far- 
cy ulcer, it commonly spreads more or less rapidly ; 
but, by the free application of caustics, assisted by in- 
ternal remedies, and by laying open the sinuses when 
they exist, the sores gradually heal, and the horse is 
apparently cured. In slight cases, this apparent cure 
is effected by caustics alone, and occasional blisters. 
It is, however, generally firand, that this disease, 
though it seems to have been perfectly removed, is fol- 
lowed by the glanders ; the interval being sometimes 
considerable, varying from two or three weeks to se- 
veral months. 

When the farcy attacks extensively, it is usually 
accompani<Hl, or very quickly followed by glanders. 

The commencement of farcy is sometimes more vi- 
olent than has yet been described. The limbs swell 
to an enormous size ; foul ulcers appear in various 
parts ; the nose swells, and discharges foetid matter ; 
and the horse breathes with diiSculty, from the swel- 
ling and ulceration of the nostrils. This malignant 
kind of farcy is not very common, and occurs to post 
and stage-coach horses, more frequently than to such 
as are worked moderately. When it does happen, 
however, it speedily destroys the animal. 

Wiien a farcy bud has burst, and become an ulcer, 
there is something peculiar and characteristic in its 
appearance. The edges of the skin, that surround 
the ulcer, terminate abruptly, and the surface of the 



JjS9 

sove has a pale^ g^^ssy appearance. If a caustic be 
freely applied^ so as to destroy the diseased pans, the 
sore loses this peculiar appearance as soon as the 
slough separates : the skin, instead of terminating ab- 
ruptly, is gradually lost in the sore ; which looks red 
and healthy, aiid very soon heals, though no other 
remedies are applied. 

The farcy sometimes attacks horses that are in good 
condition, and without any previous illness ; most 
commonly, however, it is preceded by various symp- 
toms of constitutional derangement. In some cases, 
the horse gradually loses Sesb and strength ; the coat 
becomes dry ; the skin tight ; and the hind legs swell* 
in other instances, the horse has been suddenly at- 
tacked with lameness, without any visible cause, 
when, after a few days, the appearance of farcy buds 
has pointed out the nature of the disease. 



CHAPTER XL 

^i description of those diseases, wJiich maybe mista- 
ken for Glanders / and the method of distin- 
guishing them. 

The symptoms of glaiders have been frequently 
confounded with those of some other complaints, near- 
ly resembling them ; but which, in fact, are essential- 
ly different in their origin and nature. The diseases 
liable to be mistaken for glanders are the strangles ; 
catarrh, or cold ; inflammation of the throat, with dis- 
cliai'ge from the nostrils, commonly termed quinsy^ 
or sore throat; chronic inflammation of the membrane 
within the nostril, causing a slight discharge, and a 

10 



110 

(rifling cuiargemenl of the glands under the jaw ; a 
discharge of stinking matter, in consequence of a frac- 
ture of the bones of the nose ; and epidemic catarrh, 
commonly called the distemjoer. 

The strangles are a disease, which usually occurs 
to young horses, and in some respects resembles the 
glanders ; that is, there is generally a discliarge of 
matter from the nostrils, and the glands under the jaw 
are swollen. There is no difficulty, however, in dis- 
tinguishing this disease, as it is commonly attended 
by cougii, and some degree of fever ; the eyes appear 
dull, or inflamed and watery ; the appetite is affect- 
ed, and there is often difficulty in swallowing ; tlie tu- 
mour under the jaw becomes tender, gradually in- 
creases, and at length bursts, discharging a consider- 
able quantity of white matter. After this, the horge 
becomes lively, feeds well, and all the symptoms, un- 
der proper management, gradually disappear. With 
this description of strangles, it is unnecessary to show, 
in a more particular manner, how it is to be known 
from glanders. It is proper, however, to observe, 
that, in a few instances, the discharge of matter from 
the nostrils has been known to continue after the oth- 
er symptoms had ceased : this, perhaps, has given 
rise to an opinion, that sometimes, through neglect, 
or bad management, the strangles have degenerated 
into glanders. I have never seen an instance of this ; 
and, whenever the discharge from the strangles has | 
continued after the other symptoms have been remo- ' 
ved, I have already observed, that it ceases in time, 
and the liorse perfectly recovers. In treating of the 
nature and cause of glanders, this subject wlii be more 
particularly considered. 

A copious discharge of matter, sometimes, takes 
^place fi'om the nose of a horse, in consequence of in- 
flammation of the throat and higher parts of the nos- 
trils. This complaint is termed quinsy, or sore throat, 
and by some, the iuw^ard strangles ; here there is pain 



Ill 

and difficulty in swallowing, w liicli symptom general- 
ly precedes the discharge a short time; an unusual 
quantity of saliva is often formed ; and sometimes the 
tlisorder is attended by fever ; but the glands under 
the jaw arc seldom affected. In this case, there ca.i 
be no dliUculty in distinguishing the disorder from 
glanders. 

The next disease to be described has often puzzled 
the most experienced pvaciitioners ; it consists in slow 
or chronic inflammation of the membrane v/ithin the 
nostrils, accompanied by a discliargeof matter, and a 
tritliMg eiiiargemcnt of iliQ glands under the jaw. 

It is necessary here to remark, that, over the whole 
surface of the delicate membrane, which lines the in- 
terior of the nostrils, a mucous ilnid is constantly for- 
ming by vessels destined for this purpose, in order to 
lubricate it, and preserve it in a state of moisture. 
Tliese vessels may be aHected by various causes, so 
as to form more of this fluid than usual, and of a differ- 
ent qurJity and appearance: it will then be seen llow- 
ing from the nostrils. The causes which produce this 
state of tlie membrane are various. If, for example, 
a stimulating fluid af sufficient strength w ere injected 
into the nostrils, it would excite inflammation, and 
produce a discharge. The same e^Qct is brought on 
by what is termed catching cold ; it also happens in 
strangles, as lias been described ; in glanders, like- 
wise, the most conspicuous symptom is a discharge 
from iha nostrils, occasioned by a peculiar kind of 
|)oison having got into the circulation. But the dis- 
charge now under consideration cannot be ascertain- 
ed ; it so nearly resembles that which occurs in the 
mild kind of glanders, that, by merely examining the 
parts, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to fix 
the distinction between them. I can point out only 
one methed, by which this appearance may be known 
with certainty from the mild glanders 5 and this will 
be explained in some future chapter. 



112 

In describing the glanders, it was observed, that 
the progress of the disease was more rapid in horses, 
that were weak and in low condition, than in such as 
were healthy and strong. In these doubtful cases, it 
may be worth white to try the effect of copious bleed- 
ing and low diet, in order to reduce tlie strength of 
the animal : if the di-ease were really the glanders, 
this would, perliaps, so increase it, as to remove all 
doubt respecting its nature ; whereas, if it arose from 
any other cause, by siicli means it probably woujd be 
removed. 

When a discharge takes place from the nostrils in 
consequeiice of catching cold, tliere is seldom any 
swelling of the glands under the jaw ; and, wiien this 
symptom does occur, the swelling is generally tender, 
and either suppurates, or gradually subsides. There 
is also a cough, and the eyes are frequently affected ; 
the discharge proceeds from both nostrils ; the mattev 
is commonly thicker than in cases of glanders, and gf 
a whitish colour, like that from a common abscess. 

In the epidemic catarrh, or distemper, which raged 
lyith great violence in the summer of 1708, many in- 
Vatances occurred, which were supposed to degenerate 
into glanders : in some of these, ulceration took place 
within the nostrils ; and several horses were destroy- 
ed under a conviction of their being glandered. 1 am 
inclined to believe, that such cases were not glander-^ 
ous ; though, it is probable, that in seme of them, t;;e 
Juna;s were incurablv diseased. Those that came un- 
d^r my ubser'/ation differed materially from glanders: 
when the disclirirge came from tlie lungs, as well as 
the nostrils, it was known by a Vveali rattling cough : 
thf^re was seldom any swelling under the jaw, and 
t!-:e horse was extremely weak and emaciated. When 
these symptoms occurred, the horse soon died. If the 
distemper was fcdlowed by a discharge from the nos- 
trils, unattended by cough, the matter was generally 
very abundant; and flowed equally from both uostrils ; 



113 

the glands uuder the jaw were seldom enlarged. But 
the most material difference between this disease and 
glanders consisted in its not being infectious ; that is, 
so far as my experience enabled me to judge. This 
subject will be more particularly discussed in some 
subsequent chapter. 

A discharge of f(stid matter^ sometimes, takes place 
from the nostrils, in consequence of a blow, by which 
the bone has been fractured ; and is generally accom- 
panied by a swelling of the gland under the jaw. I 
have seen two instances of this kind, in which the 
symptoms had existed a considerable time ; and so 
nearly resembled glanders, that many experienced 
persons were deceived. But the disease was clearly 
proved to be of a different nature, from the circum- 
stance of tlie horse's being constantly kept with oth- 
ers, without producing any infection. 



CHAPTEil XII. 

A descrlpiloii oftJiose diseases, tcJiich resemlfh Fan- 
cy, and how they may be distinguished froiu It, 

In- regard to the, symptoms of farcy, a liability to 
error in judgment prevails, as in the case of glanders 
iust described : but the difference between farcv. and 
the diseases that may sometimes be mistaken for it, is 
readily distinguisneJi. 

Horses are often attacked with diffused swellins:^ 
of the limbs, belly, or sheatli ; and parlicularly of the 
hind legs. These swellings are sometimes conside- 
rable, and occasion lameness. If the linger be strong- 
ly pressed on the swollen part, the impression will be 
found to remain some time. Ulcers, also; will occa- 



114 

sionally break out about the limbs ; but a greater ov 
less tle2;ree of fever and loss of rppetite generally 
accompanies the first attack. In some cases, the swel- 
ling is preceded by shivering, and otber symptoms of 
fever. These symptoms are, by farriers^ termed 
farcy. 

This disease, however, differs from farcy in many 
respects. When ulcers appear on the swollen parts, 
"which is by no means a frequent occurrence, they do 
uot spread like those of farcy ; nor is there between 
them that line of communication we have described : 
that is, there are no enlarged lymphatics, or corded 
veins, as they are termed by farriers. The swelling 
and lameness are more considerable than in farcy ; 
except in those violent cases, which are accompani- 
ed, or soon followed, by glanders. In fact, this spu- 
rious kind of farcy is nothing more than common wa- 
tery swelling, arising from some temporary derange- 
ment of the constitution ; often following a smart at- 
tack of fever, and causing an abatement of the febrile 
symptoms. This disease is easily cured by bleeding, 
with cooling and diuretic medicines. 

Anotlier complaint, wliich appears on the skin, has 
sometimes been mistaken for farcy : in this case, 
small tumours arise in various parts of the body ; 
bearing some resemblance to those of farcy, but dif- 
fering from them in being smaller, not painful, and 
seldom suppurating or forming matter : nor do we ev- 
er observe^ in this case^ any enlarged lymphatics. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

On the nature and cause of Glanders 

^^he glanders appear to be a constitutional disease, 
jpaused by a peculiar kind of poison, with which the 
■^yhoia ma^s ©f blood is impregnated. 



115 

Under such circumstances, thai certain parts only 
should be infected, may appear extraordinary to tliosc 
that are not of the medical profession ; hut when it is 
considered, that, in smallpox, the blood is contamina- 
ted with the variolous poison, and that tlie skin only 
is affected ; and again, that many parts of the body 
are never attacked by the venereal virus ; I conceive^ 
that there can be no difficulty in assenting to my po- 
sition. 

That the blood is impregnated with the poison of 
glanders, seems to have been proved by an experi- 
ment made by Mr. Coleman. He introduced tlie blood 
of a glandered horse into the jugular vein of a heal- 
thy ass : in a short time the ass became completely 
glandered. 

The following experiment will serve also to illus- 
trate this ; and may also afford a proof of what has 
been asserted ; that is, that the glanders, when they 
attack the nostrils, are not a local disease, but a symp- 
tom of constitutional affection. 



EXPERIMENT I. 

Let the hair be cut from any part of the body, the 
neck, for example, about an inch square, and a lancet 
passed under the cuticle, or scarf skin, so that it may 
be slightly tinged with blood, without causing any to 
flow from the part : when this happens, the bleeding 
should be stopped by pressing on the wound previous 
to proceeding in the experiment : under the cuticle^ 
"which has been thus raised, let a small quantity of 
matter from the nose of a glandered horse be introdu- 
ced, by n^eans of a small bit of wood or ivory. The 
following day, the part will appear a little swollen 
and tender ; and, on the second or tliird day, matter 
may be seen oozing from it ; soon after, the absor- 
•bent or lymphatic vessels going from the part will 
swell; appearing like corded veins^ as they are term- 



116 



ed, as ill cases of fcircy. On rubbing off the crust on 
tbesuvftice of the sore, there will be found an ulcer, 
or chancre^ of a, peculiar appearance ; the edges will 
look smooth and regular, terminating abruptly, and 
the surface smooth and glossy, free from that red, 
granulating appearance, o]3scrvable in a common sore. 
In the course of the corded lymphatics, other tumours 
will be seen, soon bursting, and assuming the appear- 
ance of the original sore; which continues to spread 
sometimes rapidly. At length, a discharge takes 
place from one or both nostrils, and the glands under 
the jaw become enlarged ; in a word, the horse will 
be completely glandered. It may be proper to add, 
that the same effect has been produced by matter ta- 
Icen from a farcy bud. 

The degree and progress of the glanders, thus ar- 
tificially produced, appear to be chiefly regulated by 
the foUowins: circumstances : — the state or condition 
of the animal ; the cinantity of glanderous raa,tter used 
in the inoculation ; and the extent or depth of the 
wound or oritice in which it has been placed. 

If, for example, the experiment beperformed in the 
way I have described, and the horse be in good con- 
dition, and kept well afterwards, perhaps several 
weeks may elapse before the nose is affected ; but, if 
the animal be weak and emaciated, and afterwards 
badly fed, the disease will be more rapid in its pro- 
gress. If the orifice be large, and a considerable 
quantity of m^itter introduced, the horse would not 
only have the glanders in a short time, but it is proba- 
ble, that the hind legs, or other parts of the body, 
-would be affcted also with farcy. I have seen two horses 
speedily destroyed in this way; one of them was ex- 
tremely thin and feeble, and the quantity of matter not 
very great; but the orliice in the latter was large, like that 
made for a rowel, and in it a piece of tow, soaked in 
glanderous matter, was placed. It does not appear5 
that the degree of the disease^ produced by inocula- 



w 

tWiij is at all influenced by the state of tlie mattei* em- 
ployed ; for that of the mild kind of glanders has heeil 
found to have precisely the same effect as matter from 
the most virulent. 

It will be urged^ perhaps, in opposition to tlie opin- 
ion here given, of the glanders being a constitntional 
complaint ; that, as the disease often attacks only one 
nostril, and is produced by standing near a glandered 
horse, it sceuis rather to be caused by the immediate 
application of glanderous matter to the nostril, and is, 
consequently, in the first instance, a local complaint. 
This opinion is certainly very plausible ; but the fol- 
lowing experiments, T think, will convince every one^ 
that it is erroneous. . 



EXPERIMENT U. 

A considerable quantity of matter was taken from 
a horse decidedly glandered. This was applied, by 
means of a long probe a»id a piece uf lint, to the nos- 
tril of a sound horse, and kept in contact with the 
membrane a few mi»mtes. Ghindevoas matter wa» 
next injected into the nostril ; and, though this wa,s 
repeated for three ^successive days, not the slightest 
effect could be perceievd. A^out a fortnight after 
this experiment, the horse was inoculated with some 
of the same matter, with a view to prove, that it was 
really glanderous, and thai the subject of the experi- 
ment was susceptible of the disease. It produced a 
chancre, as in experiment 1, which was soon followed 
by glanders. This was thoughtnecess ry, to render 
the experiment decisive, hecause it has been found, 
in a few instances, that horses have been so hardy as 
to resist the contagion, having been worked and fed 
with glandered horses without catching the disease. 

This experiment was tned on four other horses, and 
with the same result, except in one case, in which the 
matter was injudiciousiy applied by means of rough 
brown paper, and the membrane accidently wounded. 



118 



111 tills case, a small reddish pustule arose withiu 
the nostril, which became a chancre ; in short, the sore 
was exactly like those produced by inoculation in 
other parts of the body, and the disease did not, in 
any res|)ect, resemble glanders. Had it been conve- 
nient to keep his horse a suiScient time, I liave no 
doubt, the usual symptoms of glanders would have 
appeared ; but at this period he was destroyed. 

Since then, it seems, that the disease is not produ- 
ced by applying glanderous matter to the nostrils, it 
may be supposed, that it is caused by some vapour, 
which arises from the matter and consequently, that 
even the air of a stable, in which glandered horses are 
kept, is infectious. It has been proved, however, by 
experiment, that this opinion is erroneous. 

EXPERIMENT III. 

A slight division was made in a stable : in one 
part, two glandered horses were kept ; the other was 
used for horses that happened to be lame, or sick, or 
from any other cause unfit for work. There was a 
free communication for the air, the partition being 
constructed with thin planks, and some space left be- 
tween each : it was carried only so high as to prevent 
the horses from touching each other. No instance 
ever occurred here of a horse catching the glanders, 
though many horses were so exposed, and different 
glandered horses were kept in the other part of the 
vstable, some of vvluch had the disease in a very high 
degree. 

It appears to me, that glanders arc communicated 
by the matter being taken into the mouth, or stomach, 
either witli the food or wafer, or by licking it from the 
rack or manger. This opinion, however, has not been 
clearly proved by experiment. It has been sugges- 
ted, that the matter being taken into the mouth, may 
I?e pai^tially absorbed, so as to affect the constitution : 



119 

or that it may affect the back part of tlie throat, and 
thence spread to the nostril. In one case, where glan- 
derous matter was given to a horse for three days, a 
tumour soon after appeared in the hock, resembling 
farcy, and the nose was slightly affected : but the 
horse s\as destroyed as soon as these symptoms ap- 
peared, being incurably lame, and having no conve- 
nient place for keeping him. Yet I feel convinced 
that the horse was really glandered. 

In another instance, glanderous matter was giveu 
to a young ass, in tlaily doses, of about two or three 
drams, for more than a week ; soon after the animal 
died without any appearance of glanders or farcy. In 
a third experiment, two doses were given ; and, in a 
fourth, one dose without any effect. 

Thougli glanders have been thus produced in one 
instance only, and then not in a degree sufficiently de- 
cisive to preclude all doubt as to the nature of the dis- 
ease, yet the indirect proofs in favour of his opinion, 
are certainly very strong; and it is farther corrobora- 
ted, by the well known fact, that horses have frequent- 
ly been infected, by standing in a stable where glan- 
dered horses liad been previously kept, though the 
diseased horse had been removed several days ; and 
consequently, the infectious matter he had left must 
have become dry, aad be adhering to the manger, 
rack, or to any hay, corn, or straw, that may happen 
to be in the stable. In this state, it is difficult to con- 
ceive how it could be applied to the interior parts of 
the nostril ; but we can readily immagine, that the in- 
fectious matter may, under such circumstances, be ta- 
ken into the stomach. It is well known, also, that 
horses have been infected by drinking out of a pail, 
or trough, that had previously been used for glander- 
dered horses. 

The following circumstance affords an example of 
this : — A team of giaadered horses stooped occasion- 
ally on a gentleman's p.enises, to take up goods: 
during the time of loading, ihey were fed witli hay^ 



120 

which was thrown upon the ground. More or less of 
this hay was generally left ; and, as the place com- 
municated with a paddock, in which a horse and two 
colis were kept, the hay that remained was generally 
eaten by them. The horse, after some time, became 
so decidedly glanderous, that it wasthoaglit necessa- 
ry to him. The two colts, a short time after, appear- 
ed to have the disease ; but in so slight a degree, that 
it was thoiight doubtful : they have now been in the 
same state about two months, from the time I saw 
them ; and though the disease has not increased, and 
the discharge scarcely perceptible, I have no doubt 
that it will ultimately prove to be the glanders. The 
coutinuance of the symptoms, for so long a time^ is a 
circumstance that adds considerable strength to this 
opinion. 

A general opinion prevails, I believe, among veter- 
inary surgeons, as well as others concerned with hor- 
ses, that the glanders are most commonly generated 
in the system, by other causes than contagion. That 
the disease is sometimes so produced, cannot, perhaps 
be disputed ; yet, from the observations I have made, 
it appears to me probable, that it more frequently a- 
rises from contagion. 

It should be recollected, that there are circumstan- 
ces which seem to prove, that the glanderous poison 
may remain in the system for sometime, without pro- 
ducing the characteristic symptoms of the disease. Tn 
what other manner can we account for the farcy being 
so frequently followed by glan ers, as experience 
proves to be the case, af^er that disease has been ap- 
parently cured for several weeks, or even months ? 
though the horse, in the interval, appears perfectly 
free from every symptom nf glfvn.lers. When there- 
fore, a horse becomes glandered, we ouglit not to 
conclude, that the disease has been generated inde- 
pendently of conta^^iim, because he has not; within a 
ehort period; been exposed to infection* 



Ihaveliad a>i opportunity of seeing sound liorsi&s 
worked and Icept with glandercd horses^ and have 
unitormly founds that they have not been immediately 
infected : it has sometimes been one, two or three 
months before the glanders have appeared ; and, in 
a few instances, they have escaped it altogether. In 
an experiment related by Sainbel. sixty days elapsed 
before a horse was infected, though he was constant- 
ly fed and watered with one that was glandered. If, 
in a regiment of cavalry, a horse becomes glandered, 
and the disorder is not at first observed^ so that lie is 
suffered to remain in the stable a few days with others, 
the mischief he does is not immediately perceived. 
It has often happened, that the horses infected by 
him liave not shown the disease, till several weeks 
after he has been separated from them ; and, suppose 
three horses to have been infected, the disease will 
generally appear in each at different periods ; some- 
times with considerable variation in respect of time. 
Similar instances have come under my observaiioa 
among waggon horses. 

In such cases, where the persons concerned think 
little of the contagious nature of the disease, supposing 
it to proceed from other causes, it has often continued 
among their horses a great length of time ; seldom, 
however, attacking in a violent form, and often re- 
maining in a mild stage for a considerable period. 
Occasionally, it exists in so slight a degree, that the 
proprietor does not think it necessary to sej)arate the 
horse ; so that he is kept in the same stable, and fed 
and watered with the others. It is by such proceed- 
ing, that the glanders are frequently kept up among 
cavalry alid waggon horses : the disorder is, some- 
times, propagated so slowly, that all sight of conta- 
gion is lost, and the complaint is attributed to other 
causes. What I have said, is not a matter of conjecr 
iure, it is the result of careful observation. 

In a troop of cavalry, at the Honiton barracks in 
Devonshire; ahorse was found to have the glanders: 

11 



\n the course of about two months, two or three others 
of the same troop, that had been kept in ihe same sta- 
ble, became glandered, but at different times. Though 
the first liorse was separated as soon as the disorder 
was perceived, it is probable, that there had been 
some running from the nose several days or weeks 
before it was observed; but the horses were after- 
Avards more carefully examined, and the disease, per- 
haps, discoTered at its coinmencemeat. 

It is f the liighest moment, that the proprietors of 
liorses should be awareof this circumstance, that they 
may be convinced of tlie necessity of separating a 
glandered horse from others, in however mild a de- 
gree the disease may make its appearance. 

When tSije disease is propagated thus slowly^ a- 
mong cavalry, or waggon horses, it appears to depend 
upon two circumstances : in the first place, the horses 
on such occasions, are, in general, healthy, and in 
good condition ; consequently, less susceptible of the 
disease ; and, when attacked by it, contract only a 
slight infection : secondly, the quantity of poisonous 
matter produced is, under such circumstances, usually 
inconsiderable, because the disease exists in its mild- 
est form ; and, when the quantity is at all considerable^ 
the infected horse is immediately removed from the 
healthy stable. But, when the glanders are intro- 
duced among post or stage-coach horses, it spreads 
rapidly ; generally appears in the most virulent form ; 
is often accompanied by farcy, and proves extremely 
destructive. 

Nothing is so favourable to the progress of the dis- 
ease, as that debility, or state of the constitution, which 
is brought on by excessive exertion, bad provender, 
or an insufficient quantity of good food, and hot, close 
stables ; particularly, when horses are put into such 
stables after long exposure to moisture and cold. 
Tliese are circumstances no less deserving the atten- 
tion of the proprietors of horses, than those before 
mentioned ; for; if it be true, that the glanders ofte|i,i 



1^ 



take place iiidepevuleiitly of contagion, tliese are, im- 
doubtediy, tlie causes, by which it is |;enerated. 

It seems to be generally believed, that tlic strangles 
or a violent cold, when neglected, will sometimes de- 
generate into glanders. I ha,ve never seen an instance 
of this, and am persuaded the opinion is erroneous. I 
have often seen cases, both of catarrh, oi cold, and 
strangles, wliere the discJiarge lias continued an usual 
length of time, an! the horse has been tliought glan- 
dered; but I have uniformly found, that such horses 
'have either perfectly recovered, or died from the dis- 
ease havioq extended to the liin2:.s. ^ ' '"'" ' ' " 

A dlscharsie of stinkins: matter, nbmoiic or both 
nostrils, is sometimes cansedby ^ blo'wVbj^ which the 
bone is fractured : ihiis, licing generally attended by 
a swelling of tlie glands, and often continoin^ a con- 
siderable time^ has been supposed to degenerate into 
glanders. This circumstance, indeed^ was noticed 
by Lafosse^ the author of a book on Glanders; who 
also observed^ that the discharge maybe produced by 
injecting any stimulating iluid into the nostrils. It 
appears, in short, that every disease^ which continued 
an unusual length of time^ lias been considered glan.- 
derous : hence we may account for the supposed cures 
that have been effected, as well as some of those^that 
have been said to take place sponta^jeously ; and^ 
from the same error, a great number of horses have, 
no donbt^ been unnecessarily destroyed. 

In the next chapter, the nature and causes of farcy 
will be considered : after which will be described the 
only certain criterion, by whicli glanders may be dis- 
tinguished from other diseases. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

t/ii the tyVafifre and Causes nf Farcff. 

Having shovVn^ tliat tlie matter of glanders will pro- 
<{ucc both farcy and glanders^ and that the- matter 
froai a farcy bud lias the same power; it may appear 
unnecessary to treat of these diseases separately ; there 
hf however, a difference between them. 

The glanders, in whatever degree they may exist, 
I consider to be a constitutional disease; but the far- 
cry is, in some cases, merely local : the experiment first 
described may serve as an example of thi.^. The inud- 
dilaled part waa^^in the first instance, a locfti complaint, 
dnd may be considered as the most simple stage of farcy. 

It has been proved, by experiment, that, if a red- 
li.ot iron be freely applied in sncli cases, withia 
iliree or four days after the experiment, its poison- 
ous nature will be completely destroyed ; and, after 
die slough, occasioned by the burning, has separated, 
nature will gradually complete the cure : but, if the 
hot iron be not applied Ui5til corded lymphatics are 
S^eu going from the sore, it is likely the constitution 
vNll be ultimately affected with glanders. It is not 
improbable, I think, that the fiircy jnay, sometimes, 
l>e thus accidenlally produced; for, it* tlie sliglitcst 
ficratch be made in any part, asid glanderous matter 
conveyed to it by any mean?, it would certainly a- ij 
mount to inoculalion, and the same, effects would fol- 
low\ It may also be conjectured, that a common sore 
is thus, occasionally, converted into farcy. It is cer- 
tain, however, that farcy is often, at its first appear- 
ance, a constitutional disease ; eitlier arising from 
communication with a glandered horse, or depending 
upon some other cause, of which we have no precise 
knowledge. 

To illustrate this, let us suppose a sound horse, to 
be kept in the same stable with one that is glandered, 



125 

eating out of the same manger, and drinking out of 
the same pail ; little doubt exists of his soon becom- 
ing infected. The disease may not appear at first in 
the form of glanders, though this is most commonly 
the case; it may, in the first instance/ assume that 
appearance, which is named farcy. A horse, however, 
may be attacked with farcy, when he has not beeni 
known to have had any communicfitirju with a glan- 
dered horse ; and farcy, thus produced, has been fol- 
lovred by slanders. 

If it were proved, in such cases, that the horse had 
not beeu exposed to any source of contagion, for a. 
considerable time previous to i\\^ appearance of the 
disease; no doubt could be entertained of the farcy 
being sometimes produced by other causes than con- 
tagion. I have seen several instances, where this ap- 
peared to be the case : and though tliis opinion has 
not, I believe, been absolutely proved, yet it is gene- 
rally believed, and is certainly probable; but what 
Die causes are, by which farcy is so produced, has 
not been correctly ascertained. 1 am of opinion, they 
are the same as those, by which glanders appear to 
be sometimes generated ; namely, exertion, bad, or 
insufficient quantity of good provender, and hot, close 
stables. This spontaneous kind of farcy is often pre- 
ceded by general indisposition; the horse becomes 
weak, loses flesh, and feeds badly. These symptoms 
gradually increase^ and at length, iWcy buds and 
sores make their appeararxe, which are soon follow 
ed by gkuders. 



1^6 



CHAPTER X> . 

Description of a Test for distinguishing the Glan- 
ders with Certaintij from other Diseases, 

When we consider tlie contagious nature of glan- 
ders, and tliat they frequently occur in so slight a 
degree, that the most experienced practitioners are 
unable to give a decisive opinion upon the nature of 
the complaint 5 the test I am about to describe will, 
Itnist. p.ppearof suificient importance tobe made pub- 
lic. Cases of this doubtful kind are very common : 
I have often known horses kept several months, be- 
fore the symptoms have become sufficiently conspic- 
uous, to enable the practitioner to decide upon the 
nature of the disease. The mischief arising from this 
is more considerable, than the public are aware of; 
and I am inclined to believe, that it is a principal 
means of the extensive propagation of the disease. 
Wlien a horse is attacked with glanders in a violent 
degree, he is immediately separated or destroyed, 
and no others are infected ; but, when the symptoms 
are so inconsiderable as to escape notice, many horses 
may be infected, before it is thought necessary t( 
separate him from others. 

The followins; case mav serve to illustrate this. 

A valuable horse was attacked with the mild kind ofj 

.ganders ; and, as no suspicion was entertained oi 

ills being unsound, he was sold for a large sum. A 

few months, however, after this the discharge became 

so considerable as to excite alarm ; and, on applica,- 

tion b&ing made to nie, I did not hesitate to pronounce 

lie horse to have been glandered at the time he was 

^''cliased. In consecjuence of this, 4he money was 

*^'^ned, and the horse destroyed. This opinion 

^vas ^on after confirmed by the disease appearing in 

tvvo colb,^ th^t had communication with this horse be- 



m 

All these doubtful cases may be distinguished with 
certainty, by inoculating a sound horse, i. e. one free 
from glanders and farcy , with matter taken from the 
nose of that which is supposed to be glandered. If 
it be the glanders, the effect described in experiment 
if will be produced. If it be any other disease, no 
inflammation or swelling will follow ; unless tlie ex- 
periment be clumsily performed, and the part much ir- 
ritated : in this case, some inflammation and swelling 
may be produced, wliich, however, will go off in two 
or three days. If, in making the incision, the part 
should bleed, it is necessary to wait until it has ceas- 
ed ; or the blood would so dilute the matter, as to 
render it inactive. 

It is necessary, also, to observe, that, when there is 
only a very trifling discliarge of matter, it may be di- 
luted with fluid that proceeds from the lachrymal 
duct; which would lessen, if not entirely destroy, the 
activity of the glanderous poison. The following ex- 
periment will illustrate this opinion. Glanderous 
poison was mixed with twelve times its weight of dis- 
tilled water, and with this mixture a sound horse was: 
inoculated; a slight degree of inflammation and swel- 
ling was produced, and a small ulcer, which, in a few 
days, healed spontaneously^ 

In this case, tliough tlie diluted matter did not pro- 
duce any permanent effect, yet it was different from 
the matter of strangles, or of any other matter; which 
as I have before observed, would not have caused 
any inflammation or swelling. It appears, also, from 
some experiments, that glanders are not readily pro- 
duced by applying glanderous matter to a common 
sore or ulcer ; this may depend on the dilution the 
glanderous poison undergoes, from the matter on the 
surface of the sore, or from a want of absorbing pow- 
er in the part. ' 

Many persons object to this mode of distinguish- 
ing the glanders, either on account of the expense of 
procuring a sound horse for the purpose^ or the appa- 



.1^8 

rent cruelty of infecting him with an incurable disease. 
But when the suspected horse is of considerable val- 
ue, and a horse can be procured that would other- 
wise be killed for the hounds ; I cannot see any rea- 
sonable objection to making the experiment. To 
waggon masters and others, who keep a great num- 
ber of horses, it must surely be of importance, to as- 
certain the nature of these doubtful cases, as speedily 
as possible : and in regiments of cavalry, wliere we 
often see suspected horses kept several mouths, it will 
be found highly useful. 

By means of this test a very important question 
may be determine ; that is, whether other diseases 
degenerated into glanders or not. We have before 
observed, that obstinate colds, and strangles, are sup- 
posed to be occasionally converted, by improper 
treatment, into glandders ; that any discharge from 
the nostrils, which continues an unusual length of 
time and is accompanied with a s\Milling of the glands 
under the jaw, is generally considered 'xs glanders : 
and a horse, under such circuaistances, is frequent- 
ly destroyed. That such symptoms are generaly the 
effects of glanders, is extremely probable : but I am 
of opinion, that the only certain proof of a horse being 
glandered is, his being capable of infecting others. 
If this be admitted, it will surely be allowed, that 
the most expeditious and ready way of ascertaining 
the real siature of such cases is the test here proposed. 

It may be proper to observe, that, when the dis- 
charge from the nose is so inconsiderable, that it is 
difficult to c(dlect matter for inoculation, it may gene- 
rally be increased by exercise : and^ in such cases, it 
is advisable to collect the matter for two or three days 
as it does not lose its poisonous quality by being kept 
ji short time ; for though a small quantity of matter is 
capable of producing the effect, it is better to use more 
than is sufficient, as the infection v>ill then take place 
laoxc speedily^ and in a greater degree. 



i^9 

The laclirymal.iliiid wlncli was before meiitione(i> 
proceeds from a small round oriiFice, that may be per- 
ceived at the lower part of tlie nostril : from this we 
may often see a few drops of a limpid Huid, like wa- 
ter^ flowing, particularly m cold weather. In collect- 
ing matter for the purpose of inoculation, it is necessa- 
ry to take care, that it is not mixed with this tluid. 
For, in the doubtful cases, where this test is most use- 
ful, there is often so little matter discharged, that i* 
is difficult to procure more than is barely siifficieiit; 
and if this happen to be diluted, the effect may be 
such as to render the experiment indecisive. 

It has been found by experiment, that matter taken 
from a farcy bud, before any caustic has been applied, 
will produce precisely tbe sa!ne effect as matter taken* 
ftom the nose of a glandered horse. 



CHAPTER X¥I. 

On the attempts that havp^ been made to cure the 

Glaiulers. 



It would be a useless undertaking, to eniev into a 
minute description of the various means, that have 
been suggested fnr tlic cure of glanders ; or to give 
a detailed account ')f the numerous experiments that 
have been made for this purpose. It may be suffici- 
ent in this place to recite, in a few words, tbe more 
material attempts that have been made, for discover- 
ing a remedy. 

Those who consider the glanders as a local disease, 
have employed every kind of injection, without ef- 
fect. The no'^tritB have been syringed with emolli- 
ent^ astringent and even caustic preparations; withoui 



success. It is probable, that tlie discharge, iw some 
instances, has been suppressed for a time, and even 
ulcers within the nostiils healed, by such means ; but 
I believe these applications have never been known 
to cure the disease. All tlic mercurial preparations 
have been resorted to, witliout success. It has ap- 
peared, at times, that mercury, wiien administered to 
a considerable extent, possesses some power as an an- 
tidote to the glanderous poison : ^"*ti siicli is the de- 
bility^ which this medicine produces, when used in 
lari^e quantity, that the pro2;ress of the disease is gen- 
erally accelerated by it. I have been frequently in- 
duced to give mercury a fair Irial. In one of my ex- 
.perin^eiits, it was given so as to excite a violent sali- 
vation ; and in this case the disease was apparently 
cured, that is, an ulcer, ^vithin the nostrils was per- 
fectly healed, and the discharge had ceased. It was 
not convenient, hov/ever, to keep this horse a suiSci- 
ent length of time, to enable me, to ascertain the ulti- 
mate effect of ray mode of treatment : about a fort- 
night after his apparent cure, he was destroyed, when 
on examining the lungs, tubercles, or small hard tu- 
mours, were found on them, but no traces of the dis- 
ease could be perceived within the nostrils. In sev- 
eral other cases, the same iriedicine not only proved 
ineffectual, but in many of them, aggravated the dis- 
ease. It is worthy of remark, that in some cases of 
farcy, mercury appeared to possess considerable pow- 
er over the disease. 

When tubercles form on the lungs, I believe they 
generally, if not always, degenerate sooner or later, 
into abcesses, and ultimately destroy the animal. I 
have examined a great number of glandered horses, 
after death, and have almost, uniformly found those 
appearances on the lungs. In some instances, the tu- 
bercles have been so minute, as to be discovered onljr 
by passing the fingers over the surface of the lungs ; 
when they have been perceived like small gravely of^ 



131 

shot, under the pleura, or fine membrane, by which 
the lungs are covered. But in the more advanced 
stage's of the complaint, I have almost invariably 
found them of considerable «ize and full of matter. 
Tl)e bronchial glands also are very commonly dis- 
eased. 

From a knowledge of this circumstance, I am incli- 
ned to believe, that we shall never discover a remedy; 
for the glanders, unless it be apnlied in tlie earliest, 
or first stage of the disease : for/ vhen tubercles have 
been generated on the lungwS, ti.^!§li their progress 
may be sometimes retarded, yet,'l co^ijceive, there is 
but little chance of their yieldirig^ to medicine. 

The nitrous and muriatic acitls have been given in 
glanders, and at times, liave appeared to be of some 
service; but have never succeeded in curing the dis- 
ease. Arsenic has been also recommended, and in 
several instances, I have been informed, has appa- 
rently cured the complaint; but it should be under- 
stood, that the nostrils were, at the same time syring- 
ed with a strong solution of potash, which perhaps, 
caused a temporary cessation of the discharge. I 
have seen arsenic tried very fairly and extensively 5 
but the result was not satisfactory. 

It may here be proper to observe, that though tlie 
discharge may have been suppressed by astringent 
injections, or other means, or if it cease spontaneous- 
ly, still if the swelling of the glands remain, the dis- 
charge will sooner or later return. This cessation of 
the discharge, indeed sometimes happoiis ; but I have 
never heard of more than two cases of glanders that 
were spontaneously and permanently cured. 

Verdigris was at one time, strongly recommended, 
both in glanders and farcy ; but when fairly tried, 
was found ineffectual. Blue, vitriol, or sulphat of 
copper, has likewise been employed : this, though 
^ike other tonic or strengthening medicines, it appears 
at times to retard tb^ progress of the disease, I be- 



13^ ^ 

» 
lieve has iievei- been known to subdue it. In shorty 

after having, for tlie last twelve years paid considera- 
ble attention to this subject, and niade numerous ex- 
periments upon it, I have formed an opinion, tliat the 
.glande>'s will always be found incurable, unless at- 
tended to at an early period; and though in a few 
cases, they may have ceased spontaneously, or during 
the use of medicine, I think we may justly affirm that 
at present, they are t^,< be considered as an incurable 
iliscase. Many ij:''^rant farriers, may no doubt be 
^({und, who wouiQ t.v;nfidently undertake to cure the 
glanders, or any other disease, that has hitherto resis- 
ted the efforts of the regular practitioner; but, after 
reading the fjicts here stated, it is liopcd the public 
Avill be sufficiently on their guard, and will not become 
the dunes of any illiterate pretender, who may prom- 
ise to cure a disease, which, after much labour and 
perseverance, has heen by the most experienced prac- 
titioners, pronounced to be incurable. It will ])e seen 
by the experiments, tliat have been made on this sub- 
ject ; that the medicines most likely to succeed are 
mercurials, aided by a judicious system of manage 
meiit, so as to prevent, as much as possible, the debil- 
itating eflects of the mercury. 



133 
CHAPTEE XVII. 

On the treatment of Farcy. 

When the farcy exists as a local disease, it may 
generally be cured, by an early application (>^ proper 
remedies ; but^ v/hen it is constitutional, that is, when 
it arises from the blood being contaminated witli the 
glanderous poison, I believe^ it will generally be 
found incurable. It is true, we may ofien appear 
to succeed in our attempts to cure this disease : caus- 
tics alone will frequently remove all the symptoms, 
for a time, and in some instances, the horse has contin- 
ued apparently free from the disorder for several 
months ; but, according to my experience, it is most 
commonly succeeded, sooner or later, by glanders. 

It is diilicuit, in many cases, to distinguish between 
local and constitutional farcy ; therefore, it is always 
advisable to attempt a cure, unless the horse, at the 
same time be decidedly glandered : even in such ca- 
ses, the external symptoms may often be removed by 
caustics. When the small tumours, or buds, contain 
matter, which may be knov/n by their feeling soft and 
yielding a little to the pressure of the finger, they 
s'lould be opened, and after pressing out the matter, 
lunar caustic, or the following solution, should be 
freely applied, and may be repeated several times, 
allowing the slough, which these caustics occasion^ 
first to separate* 

Muriat of quicksilver - - 2 dr. \ 

Muriatic acid - - 1 oz. 

This solution may be applied, at first, undiluted ;' 
but, after the first or second slough has separated, an 
equal quantity of water should be added. W^hea the 
sores look red and healthy, the edges smooth and are 
gradually approaching each other, no farther applica- 

1^* 



134 

tion will be required. If tke lymphatics swells or 
become corded^ as it is teraied, or if the buds coatiii- 
lie hard, the wliole surface should be blistered. 

Thus far we have described tlie local treatment of 
the disease ; it is however, of the utmost importance 
to give the following medicine, as soon as the disor- 
der is perceived ; for, if it happen to be a local com- 
plaint only, the constitution will probably, by its 
means, be preserved from infection, and the horse ra- 
dically cured. But it is necessary to continue the 
use of the medicine, for a short time after the disease 
has been removed. The horse should be exercised 
twice a day, and fed with a mixtureof bran and oats, 
Avith the umal allowance of hay: green food has 
been recommended ; but I have several times during 
the summer months, turned a farcied horse into a good 
piece of grass, without advantage. In one instance, 
only, I have known it prove an effectual remedy. A 
liorse appeared to be decidedly farcied, and being of 
little value, the owner turned him into an orchard ; 
at the end of three or four months, he was taken up, 
perfectly cured. I have been informed, that the com- 
plaint never returned, either in the form of glanders 
or farcy. Tliis induced me to make a farther trial 
of it ; but, in no one instance did it appear to be of 
any service. 

Exercise, I am convinced^ is a useful auxiliary to 
the remedies here recommended ; and every means 
should be employed to keep up the strength of the 
liorse. It is not unlikely, that green food, such as 
tares, carrots or young grass, may be given in the 
stable, with advantage ; but I have never seen it tri- 
ed. A well ventilated stable should be chosen, and 
the w^ater given at the summer temprature. 



135 

PARCY BALL. 

No. 1. 

Take of white arsenic and muriate of 7 o 
•1-1 u r^ 2:i% 

qiucksiiverj each - ' i 

Linseed powder - - - i oz. 

h5irup enougli to form a ball for one dose. 

No. 2. 

Siilpliat of copper^ (blue vitriol) 1 dr. 
Muriat of quicksilver - - 8 gr. 

Linseed powder^ - - | jOZ. 

Sirup enough to fonii a ball for one dose. 



No. o 



Q 



Sulphat of Copper - - 1 dr. 

Wliite srsenic, and muriate of quick- ^ o ^,, 
sllverj of eacli - - 3 ^ 

Linseed powder - - - | cz. 
Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 

The quantity of muriat of quicksilver and arseinc 
may be gradually increased to fifteen^ or even twenty 
grains; but, when it appears to diminish the appe- 
tite, or cause sickness or uneasiness in the bowels^ 
the dose should be lessened, or the medicine discon- 
tinued, until these effects cease. It will be seen from 
the experiments related in a foregoing chapter that both 
arsenic and muriate of quicksilver have been often given 
in doses of two drams, ( 120 grains) twice a day, with- 
out producing any violent effect ; and Iiave, in some 
instances, been given in sucli doses, every morning 
and evening, for many days, v/ithout destroying the 
horse. It will be seen, however, that it proved fa- 
tal, in one case, in a smaller dose, (see experiment 7;) 
and; as it does not appear that any advantage is ob= 



136 

tained by giving it so largely, I thisik it sfiould ne\xr 
be attempted. 

One of the balls of either prescription, is to be giv- 
en every morning and evening ; I believe they are 
nearly equal in point of efficacy, but am inclined to 
think that No. 3, deserves a preference. Should the 
medicine at any time produce sickness of the bowels, 
it will be advisable to give the horse some mucilagi- 
nous fluid ; such as infusion of linseed ; with about a 
drara of carbonat of potash, (salt of tartar.) three times 
a day. As the powdered arsenic of the shops is fre- 
quently adulterated, it is recom mended, in order to 
insure its purity, to purchase it in lump : but then 
great care must be taken, to powder it very faiely. 

If during the progress of farcy, the glands undeir 
(he jaw become enlarged, ar.d particularly if a little 
moisture appear about the nostril, it may be consider- 
ed as a constitutional affection, w^hich will soon as- 
sume the form of glamlers. It has ben observed in a 
former part of the w ork, that if a farcy sore, th?it has 
been artificially produced, by inoculation with glan- 
derous matter, be freely cauterized at its commence- 
ment, it would gradually heal as a common sore, and 
the constitution would probably escape the infection. 
li is difficult, however, to ascertain whether the dis- 
ease, when first observed, be local or constitutional. 
If it be local, the medicine we have recommended will 
probably secure the constitution : if it be constitution- 
al, I believe, it is more likely than any other medicine 
to cure the disease. 

It will be seen, from some experiments which have 
been related, that, when mercury was given to a horse, 
that had farcy sores on his body, tli^y soon changed 
their appearance, became of a red, healthy colour, and 
were gradually healed. From this it may be infer- 
red, that it is the best mode of treatment ; as, by the 
early application of caustics absorption of the poison 
may be promoted. I ani; however, of opinion, that 



13? - 

4he caustic sliould be applied immediately after the. 
farcy tumours, or buds, have been opened : and to far- 
cy ulcers, or sores, as soon as they are observed. But 
external applications alone ought never to be depend- 
ed upon : the medicine should always be given attho 
commencement of the disease. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Miscellaneous Exiieriments, 

EXPERIMENT I. 

A young horse was attacked with a discharge of 
matter from the left nostril only, and a considerable 
swelling of the glands, under the jaw. On examin- 
ing the nostrils, a large ulcer was observed. An in- 
cision was made in the swollcii gland ; into which a 
caustic was introduced, and the following ball giveu^ 
every morning and evening : 

Muriat of quicksilver, commonly 1 , , 

called corrosive sublimate, 3 
Flour, . . . . • § oz. 

Sirup enough to form a ball. 

This produced no sensible effect, except that of 
making the horse stale more than usual. On the third 
day, the quantity of sublimate in q^?^.c\i ball v/as in* 
creased to two drams, and given twice a day as be- 
fore : this was continued for three days v*^ithout pro» 
ducing any other effect, than that of a strong diuretic. 
On the seventh day, a violent salivation took place, 
the tongue was much sw oUen, and the horse was in- 

1^ 



138 

capable of feeding ; but tlie discLPcrge fiom tlic lios- 
trils had ceased, and the ulcers wore completely heal- 
^d : the medicine was di.scontinued, and the mouth 
syringed with a solution of alum. On the ninth day 
the horse could eat soft food ; but there was still a 
considerable discharge of saliva from the mouth. On 
the tenth day^ there was a very slight appearance of 
moisture about the left nostril^ and the salivation had 
considerably diminished : on the following day, the 
nose was quHe dry. Two days after, the nose be- 
came rather moist again, but no ulcers could be seen ; 
the horse was extremely weak, but'capable of feeding, 
the salivation having ceased. He continued in this 
state about a week, and was then destroyed. On ex* 
amining the nostrils and cavities of the head, there 
W'as no appearance of disease, but tubercles of con- 
siderable size w eve found on the lungs. The stom- 
ach and bow els did not appear to have sustained any 
injury from the sublimate. I 



EXPERIMENT U, 

A horse decidedly glandered, took half a dram of 
sublimate, twice a day, without any sensible effect ; 
after two days, the dose was increased to one dram, 
twice a day : tliis acted as a strong diuretic, but 
produced no other effect. Two days af(er, it was 
.augmented t » tvro drams twice a day, which took off 
the appetite, and was, therefore, discontinued for 
three days, when he a2:ain took tlie same dose, with 
half a dram of opium added to each ; it soon had the 
same effect : he continued to take it, but the discharge 
])ecamc more copious and very foeted. The ulcers 
within the nostrils, spread rapidly ; and after a few 
days the horse died, apparently from excessive de- 
])ility. lu tliis case, also, tubercles were observed in 
the lungs ; i]\Q absorbments of tJie liver were consi- 
.derably enlarged. 



139 

EXPEIUMENT III. 

A liorseo decidedly glandered, took daily one dram 
of calomel; after three days, the same dose was giv- 
en twice a d?.y, and persisted in for twelve days : 
the only effect it produced, was that of a strong diu- 
retic ; and^ as the disease had gradually increased, 
the horse was destroyed. In this case, likewise, there, 
were tuhercles on the lungs, hut so small, that they 
could only be perceived by passing the fingers over 
the surface. 



EXPERmENT iV. 

A horse, decidedly glandered, took one dram of 
the red oxide of quicksilver, twice a day ; and once 
a day, the horse Avas exposed to the fumes of mercu- 
ry. The preparation employed for the fumigation 
was calomel, that had been w ashed in a solution of 
ammonia ; by which it is changed to a dark colour. 
Half an ounce of this w as placed on a red hot'iron, 
and the horse was shut up with it, in a small, well 
closed stable. After a few days, the mouth was con- 
siderably affected, and the breath had an offensive 
smell; the horse became excessively weak, and the 
disease had gradually increased. The horse, at 
length, was so debilitated, that it was thought proper 
to destroy him. In many other cases, mercury was 
fairly tried, in various forms, and uniformly w ith the 
same result. 



EXPERIMENT V. 

A horse, decidedly glandered, took one dram of 
arsenic, formed into a ball, with Hour and sirup, twice 
a day. It was continued three days, without produc- 



ing any sensible effect; the dose was then increased 
to two drams, twice a day, a;id continued for a week, 
without causing much inconveuiencc to the animal. 
As the disease had increased, rather than abated, he 
was then destroyed. Arsenic was given to a similar 
extent, in many cases of g3anders, without any satis- 
factory result : most commonly, it produced scarcely 
any effect ; sometimes, it produced a fatal inflamation 
of the stomach and bowels, particularly when the 
dose of two drams was persisted in a considerable 
time. 

EXPERIMENT VI. 

A veterinary surgeon, in the army, had been trying 
the effect of arsenic upon a glandered horse ; and af- 
ter giving it without effect iu doses of two drams, he 
increased the dose to half an ounce : finding this pro- 
duced no sensible effect, he suspected, that the pow- 
dered arsenic he had been using was adulterated, and 
therefore, had some powdered under his own inspec- 
tion. Upon giving this to the same horse, the first 
dose (I oz.) brought on a fatal inflamation of the stom- 
ach and bowels. 

EXPERIMENT VII. 

A horse attacked with farcy; took the folio wing, 
ball twice a day : 

? II 

White arsenic and sublimate, of each ^ 10 grs. ^ 
Flour and sirup enough to form a ball. 

The tumours, or huds^ were opened, and the sola- 
tlon of sublimate was freely applied to tliem. After 
a few days, the dose of the medicine was increased to 
fifteen grains. A few days after this, a slight purging 



141 

look place^ and the horse refused his food. There 
being no medical person present, the groom fancied 
these symptoms arose from the farcy ; and, instead of 
discontinuing the medicine, he gave it three times a 
day : tliis soon brought on an inflammation of the sto- 
machy of which the horse died. 

EXPERIMENT VIII. 

Four glandered horses were put under a course of 
arsenic : the dose t^n grains, twice a day, which was 
gradually increased to thirty. The nostrils were 
syringed with a solution of arsenic and potash. In 
every liorse, this treatment was productive of mani- 
fest advantage ; in one, every symptom was removed^ 
but the discharge returned, though in a mucli less de- 
gree ; in another, glanderous ulcers, within the nos- 
trils, w^ere perfectly healed. These good effects 
were not permanent ; and, after continuing the treat- 
ment for several weeks, it was thought necessary to 
shoot each of the horses, 

EXPERIMENT IX. 

AjJiHl 9, 1801. — A horse was attacked with farcy 
in the oil* fore leg. The tumours had burst, and 
were discharging thin glairy matter. One dram of 
sublimate was given every day, and the dose gradual- 
ly increased to two drams, and given twice a day. 
This treatment was continued three weeks : and, 
though nothing had been applied to the sores, or buds^ 
they were all apparently cured. The medicine was 
discontinued ; but a tumour of considerable size ap- 
peared, two or three days after, on the outside of the 
off thigh : the sublimate was again given, in the dose 
of one dram, and a blister applied to the tumour. A 
farcy bud tlien appeared, a little above the tumour, 
which was succeeded by several more on the inside 



14S 

of the iliigli. Two or three days after this^ a dis-- 
charge from tlie nostrils, and a swelling of tbe glands 
under the jaw, took place . ulcers also appeared 
within the nostrils. Under these circumstances, it 
was thought proper to destroy the horse. On ex- 
amining the hody, after death, the stomach appeared 
perfectly healthy, notwithstanding the large quantity 
of sublimate, that had been given. The kidneys 
were unusually large, and there were small tubercles 
on the lungs. It is necessary here to observe, that 
sublimate, in large doses, uniformly acts as a pow^er- 
ful diuretic on the horse. 

EXEPRIMENT X. 

A farcied horse took half a dram of calomel twice 
a day ; and, by continuing to give it for ten days, the 
disorder was apparently cured, thongh no topical re- 
medy was employed : it was then discontinued, and, 
about four days after, the disease returned. Calom- 
el was again given, and the farcy appeared to be go- 
ing off; but at this time the hor>^e became decidedly 
glandered; and was therefore destroyed, 

EXPERIMENT XI. 

A horse had the farcy in the hind leg ; he took the 
prescription No. 1, and caustic was applied to the 
sores. In three weeks he was perfectly cured. The 
medicine was continued a week longer : this horse 
has never had a return of the eomplaint; nor has he 
had any sympto -is of glanders, though nearly two 
years have elapsed since his recovery. In many 
other instances, the farcy, by the same kind of treat- 
ment, has been radically cured; and not succeeded by 
glanders. 



148 



EXPERIMENT XII. 



A farcied liorse took half an ounce of white helle- 
borcj powdered^ and formed into a ball, twice a ddv^ 
after taking a few doses, it produced considerable 
nausea, and frothing at the mouth. It was discontinu- 
ed three days, and then given, in the same doses, for 
about ten days ; duriug which time, the farcy gradu- 
ally disappeared. The only external application 
made use of was a strong blister. About fiye months 
after, the horse became glandered. In a great many 
instances^ the farcy, after having been apparently 
cured^ has been succeeded by glanders, the interval 
between the two diseases varying considerably. 
Sometimes, the glanders take place during the con- 
tinuance of farcy ; they occur more commonly, how- 
ever, from one week to a month after the farcy has 
disappeared : this is generally the case when the 
disease comes on in a slight degree only. The more 
virulent kind of farcy is almost always accompanied, 
or immediately succeeded, by glanders. The longest 
interval I have observed is in the case just mentioned. 

EXPERIMENT XIII. 

A horse was inoculated in the neck, with matter 
take from the nose of a horse, that had the glanders 
in a slight degree ; the next day, the part was a lit- 
tle swollen and tender ; in a few days, it became an 
ulcer, of that peculiar appearance, by which the farcy 
sore is characterized : the lymphatics going from it 
were swollen, or corded. About a fortnight after 
this, a considerable discharge took place from the 
nostrils, and the glands under the jaw were enlarged : 
the hind legs began to swell ; and, soon after, several 
farcy buds appeared, about the inside of the hind 
legs and thighs . large ulcers appeared within the 
nostrils I and the disease increased so rapidly, that 



141 

it was thought proper to destroy the horse. It ap 
pe^rs, from a great number of experiments, similar 
to this, that the glanderous matter invariably pro- 
duces the effect here described. In some instances 
however, tiie progress of the disease is very slow, 
and the first appearance of glanders so slight, as to 
escape the notice of a common observer. This var- 
iety seoms to depend, in a great measure, on the 
state of the animal upon which the experiment is per- 
formed, and the quantity of matter used in the inocu- 
lation. 

EXPERIMENT XIV. 

Some glanderous matter was taken from the nose 
by means of lint. The lint was put into a small box, 
which was kept from the 24th of Vlarch to the 1 3th of 
June. Two horses were then inoculated with a little 
of this dry matter, that had been mixed with a few 
drops of water : in both horses, the part was inflam- 
ed and swollen the following day; and, in a few 
days, became an ulcer. These ulcers, however, 
spread ; but, after remaining stationary a few days^ 
they gradually healed. 

Ea^periment xv. 

A horse w^as inoculated with the matter taken from 
the nose of a horse that liad the strangles ; no effect 
was produced by It. i he matter from the foot of a 
cankered horse was applied, in another instance, in 
the same way, and with a similar result,^ 



115 



KXPEKIMENT XIT. 



Home gianderous matter was applied to a small, 
healtUy looking sore ; two other sores v/erc uearit^ 
of the same appearance, to which glanderous matter 
was not applied : the latter soon healed, though no- 
thing was done to them ; but the otlier remained iu 
the same state about a fortnight, and then gradually 
healed spontaneously. From these experiments it 
appears, that, by diluting the glanderous matter, d- 
ther with blood, water, or tjie fluid on the surface of 
a sore, it is so changed, that, though it produces more 
or less of local effect, it does not affect the coi^stution. 

EXPERIMENT XYU. 

Inoculation was performed with glarulerous matter 
that had been a short time exposed to the vapour 
which is produced by pouring oil of vitriol on a mix^ 
ture of salt and manganese. No effect was produced. 
Matter, that had been exposed to the fumes of nitrous 
acid, caused an ulcer, which, after a short time o-ra- 
dually healed. 

EXPERIMENT XVIII. 

A horse was inoculated witli matter taken from a 
farcy bud, that had been recently opened. It pro- 
duced precisely the same effects as glanderous matter* 

[EXPERIMENT XIX. 

A horse Was inoculated with matter taken from the 
nose of a horse, that had the glanders in so lio'ht a 
degree, that he was considered, by most of those that 
examined him, to be free from the disease. It pro- 
duced, however, the local effect, in a considerable 
measure 5 and, at the end of twelve days, the horge 

iS 



446 

was universally farcied 5 and; in a few days aftei-^ 
decidedly glandered. 

After the foregoing observations and -experiments, 
it is unnecessary to say more on the subject of pre- 
vention. It may be sufficieatly obvious^ that the on- 
ly effectual mode of preventing the destructive ravages 
of glanders and farcy consists in separating disesaed 
Jiorses and others^ as soon as the symptoms are cb- 
servedj however trifling tliey may appear ; in remov- 
ing, or carefully cleaning every thing, on which the 
glanderous matter may have fallen ; and covering 
the rack; manger, and every part U3 which any of the 
matter could have adhered, with whitewash or paiiit. 
Waggon masters, and others, who keep a consider- 
able number of horses, should convince their servants, 
that bo h glanders and farcy are highly contagious ; 
and should point out to them the manner in which it 
appears to be communicated. 1 believe it is the o- 
pinion of many veterinary practitioners, and of al- 
most all persons concerned much with h()r>;es, that 
these fatal diseases are frequently genera^ted by other 
causes than infection. My experience, however, in- 
clines me to a different opinion. But, if g anders or 
farcy be so produced, they may be probably prevent- 
ed, by not working or feeding horses improperly, 
and by keeping them in stables, that are properly 
ventilated. A ver\ judicious precaution was adopt- 
ed, some years a 
al highness the 
doubt, be found ecjually advantageous to all those, 
w ho keep many horses. This regulation consists in 
having every horse examined daily, by a competent 
Judge of the disorder, and immediately separating 
such as have any symptoms of the complaint. 

Having, for many years, witnessed the extensive 
ravages caused by glanders, i cannot but regret, that 
the legislature does not so far interfere in this matter, 
as to prevent j[)ersons from working horses that are 



go, in the army, by order of his roy- | 
commander in chief, and would, no ' 



147 

decidedly glandered ; particiilarlyj from keeping 
teams of glaiulered horses constantly travelling on the 
most public roadi. This, I believe, is the case in 
many parts of the kingdom. It is by this miscon- 
duct, that the disease is so widely propagated^ and 
so highly destructive. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

The lust neccssavy operation ia wounds i^ to re- 
move carefullyVil dirt or other extransons matter ; 
nnd if the wound be made with a clean cutting instru- 
ment, and not complicated with brusing or laceration, 
the divided parts are to be neatly sewed together. 
Where it can be done, a roller kept congtantly moist 
with the saturnine lotioi), diluted with an equal quan- 
tity of water, is to be applied, in order to assist in re- 
taining the parts in their situation. This roller is not 
to be removed for several days, that the divided parts 
may have time to unite, and that the wound may heal 
by the first intention, as surgeons term it, unless con» 
siderable swelling and inflammation come on : it then 
becomes necessary to remove the roller, and appl^' 
fomentations. This kind of union, hou^evcr, can sel- 
dom be accomplished in horses, from tho diilcul ty of 
keeping the w ounded parts sufficiently at rest, and 
from their wounds being generally accompanied v/ith 
contusion or laceration ; yet it should be always at- 
tempted where it appears at all practicable. Fomen- 
tations and warm digestives then become necessary, 
in order to promote the formation of matter in the 
wound. Should considerable swelling and inflam- 
mation arise, moderate bleeding neay the affect'o 



148 

part, aiul a laxative medicine, or even a dose of pliy- 
sic, are to be strongly recommended ; and a poultice, 
if the situation of the part be such as to admit of its 
application, will be found of great use. As soon as 
the swelling and inflammation shall have been re- 
moved, the fomentations and poultice are no longer 
necessary, and the digestive ointment only is to be 
applied : should the wound appear not disposed to 
Ileal, discliarging a thin offensive matter, apply the 
detergent lotion previous to the digestive ointment. 
When the granulations become too luxuriant, that is, 
when what is commonly termed proud flesh makes 
its appearance, the caustic powder is to be sprinkled 
on the wound. 

Slight wounds generally heal with very little trou- 
ble, and sometimes without the intcffercnce of art ; 
and it is from this circumstance that many nostrums 
have acquired unmerited reputation. In wounds of 
this kind, tincture of myrrh, or compound tincture of 
benzoin may be used. 

Whenever a considerable blood-vessel is wounded, 
and the hemorrhage is likely to prove troublesome, 
our first object is to stop the bleeding ; which if the 
wound be in a situation that will admit of the appli- 
cation of a roller or banda2;e, may bs easily effected ; 
for pressure properly applied is generally the be^t re- 
medy on these occasions, and far more effectual than 
the most celebrated styptics. In some cases it be- 
oomes necessary to tie up tlie bleeding vessels : this 
is rather a didicult operation, raid not often necessary. 

Punctured Wounds, or such a$ are made with 
sharp-pointed instruments, are generally productive I 
of more inflammation than those that have at first a 
more formidable appearance ; and if such wounds 
happen to penetrate into a joint, or the cavity of the 
ehestor belly, the worst consequences are to be ap- 
prehended, unless they be skilfully treated. 

When a joint has been wounded, the synovia ot 



149 

joint oil may be observed to flow from the wound. 
The first thing to be done in these cases is, to close 
the opening that has been made into the joint; for as 
long as it remains open the inflammation will go on in- 
creasing, and the pain will be so violent as to pro- 
duce a symptomatic fever, which often proves fatal. 
The most effectual method of closing the wound is by 
applying t!ie actual cautery : this v/ill appear proba- 
bly «. very strange remedy to those who have not 
seen its effect, yet it is certainly the most efficacious 
that can be employed, although only applicable where 
the wound is of the punctured kind, and small ; for 
when a large wound is made into the cavity of a joint, 
and particularly if it be of the lacerated kind, it is 
impossible to close it effectually, and death is fre- 
quently the consequence. As soon as the opening 
haa been cljasred, it is of importance to guard against 
the iniiamrmation that may be expected to arise, or to 
remove it if already present. For this, bleeding and 
l)ur2:ina: are the most effectual remedies. A rowel in 
any convenient part near the affected joint will be 
found useful also. Should the joint be much swollen, 
the blister No. S w ill prove very efficacious, and far 
superiour to fomentations or poiiliices. 

Wounds about the foot, from stubs, over-reaching, 
^c. often prcYC troublesome when neglected. As 
soon as they are perceived, care should be taken that 
no dirt gets into tkem : tLe detergent lotion and di- 
gestive ointment are the most useful applications on 
these occasions. (See Pharmacojjoeki.) When the 
foot is w ounded in shoeing, the nails being driven in- 
to the sensible pfats, the compound tincture of ben- 
zoin is to be applied. When their tendons or their 
membranes are wounded, considerable iniiammatiou 
is likely to take place, which is to be removed by fo- 
mentation and the saturnine poultice : purging is al- 
so u^gvoaf, use in these cases ; and when the wound 
is large, and inflammation runs high, bleeding like 
wise may be necessary. 

1-3 ^^ 



150 

,Ia extensive lacerated, or contused Avoimds, the 
inflammation sometimes terminates in mortificationo 
(See Infiamination,) In such cases fomentations are 
to be applied frequently, and the horse's strengtii sup- 
ported by means of malt, and the cordial ball for mor- 
tification. (For the method of treating the different 
kinds of wounds, seethe Appendix.) 

Bruises, 

In recent bruises, fomentations are the most essen 
tial remedies. When they are violent, a considerable 
ilegree of inflammation may be expected to supervene : 
it will then be proper to give a laxative ball, and to 
bleed moderately near the affected part. 

If abscesses form in consequence of a bruise, dis« 
charging large quantities of matter, particularly if the 
matter be of a bad colour and an offensive smell, the 
wound also appearing dark coloured and rotten, indi- 
cating approaching mortification ; the horses strength 
must be supportetl by allowing him a large quantity 
of corn : and if he can be made to eat malt, it will be 
found still more effectual. If the appetite go off, he 
must be drenched with good ^vater-gruel, and strong 
infusion of malt : it will be necessary also to give the 
cordial ball for mortification, once or twice a day. 
Stimulating applications to the part, such as equal 
part^ of camphorated spirit and oil of turpentine, are 
of great use. 

Should a hard callous swelling remain in conse- 
quence of a bruise, the following embrocation is to be 
well rubbed into the part twice a day ; and if it do 
not succeed in memoving it) recourse must be had to a 
blister. 



E3IBR0CATI0N FOR BRUl'SES« 
No. 1. 



Campliro, - . , 


i ozi. 


Oil of turpentine, 


1 oz., 


Soap liniment, 


IJ oz. 


Mix. 




No. 2. 




Tincture of cantharides, 


1 02;. 


Oil of origan nm, 


Sdr. 


Camphorated spirit, 


6 dr, 


Mix. 




No. 3. 




Muriate of ammonia, 


1 oz. 


Distilled Vinegar, 


8oz. 


Spirit of wine, 


6 oz. 


Mix. 




BroTcen ICnees^ 





The method of treating this accident is described 
generally under the article Wounds, being nothing 
more than a confused and lacerated wound ; hut as it 
occurs frequently, and if not skilfully treated, greatly 
lessens the value of a horse, it may not be amiss io ho, 
more particular on the subject. The first thing to b^ 
doHe is to cleanse the wound perfectly ; and if it be 
at all deep or extensive, or much bruiied, a goulard 
poultice is to be applied, by means of the leg of a 
worsted stockings taking care to ren^w it twice a day, 
that it maj' ^e constantly soft and moist. This, in 
two or three days, will give the wound a healing ap- 
pearance, and cause a white healthy matter to flow ,• 
It then may be discontinued, and the digestive oint- 
ment applied. Should the matter assume a bad ap. 



152 

pearaucCj losing its Avliite colour, becoming thiii, and 
smelling rather oiiensively, something stronger will 
be requisite, such as the detergent lotion, made hot ; 
and if, after this, the new flesh grow too luxuriant, 
rising above the skin, apply the caustic powder, and 
a considerable degree of pressure, by means of a lin- 
en roller or bandage, and a bolster of lint. By this 
treatment the wound will soon heal. But we must 
not stop here ; for unless the swelling is completely 
removed, and the hair regenerated of its original col- 
our and smoothness, the horse would be considered of 
very little value. As soon, therefore, as the wound is 
completely healed, if any swelling be discernable, ap- 
ply the following liniment, so as to excite a moderate 
decree of vesication, or blistering, and repeat it after 
this effect has perfectly subsided. Should the swel- 
ling feel hard and callous, and be ofcousiderable size, 
the strong blistsr. No. 1 or No. ^. w ill be prefera- 
ble, [^^a Index. Blisters-) 

The Liniment. 

Powdered cr.iitJiarides, - 2 dr. 
Caraphov, - - - i oz. 

Spirii of wine, - - 4 oz. 

Mix them in a bottle, and let it stand in a warm 
place about a week or ten days, shaking the bottle fre- 
quently' ; then strain through blotting paper, and it is 
jit for use. 

It often happens, afterthc wound is perfectly heal- 
ed, that a small scar or mark w ill V^ observible ; and 
though the part may be free from an^y hardness or 
swelling, the value of the horse will be greatly les- 
sened by this appearance. A variety of ointments 
have been recommended for promoting the growth of 
hair oa the part, and thereby removing the blemisl) :• 



t 



i5S 

yie following I have found more effectual than tViy 
of them. 

OINTMENT FOR BROKEN KNEES. 

Ointment of wax, - - S os. 

Camphor, - - - S dr. 

Oil of rosemary, - - ld«. 

Mix. 

The colour of this ointment should be suited to that 
of the contiguous hair, which will so conceal the blem= 
ish, that it will not be observed, unless the part is 
strictly examined ; and at the same time the ointment 
will cause the hair to grow up gradually, uutill the 
the mark is completely removed. If the horse be of 
a bay colour, the legs and knees are generally black- 
5sli, in this case mix n little ivory black with the oint- 
ment ; if a chesnut colour, Armenian bole may be 
mixed with it. 

Fistula in the JVitJies, 

This disease generally originates in a bruise from 
the saddle, and is at first si nply an abscess, which by 
early attention and proper treatment may be easily 
cured : but w hen neglected, it degenerates into a fis- 
tulous sore, proves extremely difficult of cure, and 
cannot be removed without very severe treatment. 

As soon as the injury is discovered, fomentations 
should be applied in order to promote suppuration ; 
and when matter is formed, let the tumour be opened, 
so that its contents may be completely evacuated, and 
a future accumulation prevented. The sore may tlieu 
be healed by dressing it daily witli digestive liniment 
or ointment; but should tliese prove ineffectual, ap- 
ply the detergent lotiopi until the sore assumes a* red 



i54i 

healthy appearance, and tlie matter becomes wliiier' 
and of a thicker consistence. When the disease has 
been neglected in its first stUge, and the matter suffer- 
ed to penetrate among the muscles, affecting the liga- 
ments or bones of the withers, it becomes necessary 
to adopt a more severe treatment. 

The sinuses or pipes are to be laid open with a 
knife ; and if it be practicable, a depending opening is 
to be made, that the matter may run off freely : the 
sore is then to !)e dressed with the following oint- 
ment, which is to be melted and poured, into the cavi- 
ty while very hot. 

The sore is not to be dressed until the sloughs 
which this ointment occasions have separated from the 
living parts; w^hich generally happens two or three 
days after the oj)eration. If the surface of the sore 
look red and healthy, and the matter appear to be 
whiter and of a better consistence, a repetition of this 
painful operation will not be required, the digestive 
liniment or ointment being sufficient to complete the 
cure ; but should the sore still retain an unhealthy 
appearance, and the matter continue thin and of a 
bad colour, the hot dressing must again be applied. 

THE OINTMENT, 

No. 1. 

Ointment of nitrated quicksilver, 4 oz. 
Oil of turpentine, - - 1 oz 

Mix. 

No. 2, 

Verdigris, - -^ - i oi^ 

^il of turpentine, - - 1 oz. 
Ointment of yellow resin, . 4 oz. 



t 



155 

No. B. 

Ooil of turpetitine^ - - - S oz. 
Vitriolic acid^ - * - 1 oz. 

3Iix cautiously in an earthern vessel, placed in a 
curient of air, that the suifocating vapour which 
arises may be carried off. When they are per- 
fectly incorporated^ add 

Common turpentine^ and hog's lard, 1 
of each, ^ 

Bees waX; - - - - 1 oz. 

To be melted over a gentle fire. 

This ointment may be made either stronger or weali- 
er, by increasing or diminishing the proportion of 
vitriol and turpentine. 



L oz. 



Poll Evil ^ 

This disease also generally originates in a bruise^ 
and requires the same treatment as the fistula. It 
consists ac first in an abscess in the pnli, which by 
early attention might be easily cured; but ifthti mat- 
ter be suffered to penetrate to the ligaments and 
bones, it frequently proves more difHiuU of cure than 
the fistula in the withers, and cannot be subJijed 
witiiout those strong remedies w^e have recommend- 
ed in that disease. 

Since writing the above, I have discovered that 
the inflammation which produces poll evil does not 
begin^ as is usually the case in other parts, on the 
surface, or in the cellular membrane under the skin, 
but between the ligament of the neck and the bonis, 
WhfM we consider the weight and positiou of the 



156 

horse's head, with the great length of the neck, it 
will readily appear that the muscles alone are not 
capable of supporting and moving so great a weight, 
under such mechanical disadvantages. Nature has 
therefore provided a strong ligament, which is firm- 
ly fixed to the back part of the head, whence it pass- 
es down over the bones of the neck. It is not at- 
tached to the first bone, but is firmly fastened to the 
three next . it then passes over the three other bones 
of the rieck in nearly a straight line to the withers, 
where it is securely fixed, giving off a thin slip of 
ligament in its passage, which is united to the last 
three bones. It is continued from the withers to the 
back. This ligament, being elastic, allows of suffi- 
cient motion in the neck, and so effectually assists 
the muscles in supporting tlie head, that they never 
become fatigued. 

When a horse ^ eceives a violent blow on that part 
of the poll which covers the first bone of the neck, 
which, as we have just observed, is not attached to 
the ligament, the injury will be sustained chiefly by 
the sensible j)arts placed between the bone and the 
under surface of the ligament. The skin may also 
be hurt, and a slight degree of superficial inflamma- 
tion may take place. But when inflammation has 
been thus produced bet>veen the bone and the liga- 
ment, it is more likely to proceed to suppuration, or 
to the formation of matter ; which being so deeply 
seated, cannot find vent at the surface, by bursting 
the skin like a common abscess ; therefore it spreads 
under the ligament, and is so long in arriving at the 
surface, that both the bones and liga lent are highly 
diseased before any external swelling is observed. 
This is the cause of the particular obstinacy of thfe 
X)oll evil, and the great length of time generally re- 
quired to cure it. From this we may learn, also, 
how little is to be expected from such applications 
as are intended to disperse the swelling, and how 



157 

necessary it is to aiLopt abold aiul pawCifiil mode of 
treatsiieut. I am coaviuced, from \\ hat I have seen, 
that it is almcst iiapossihle to disperse the senuirKi 
poll evil ; tliat by attciiiptiiiji; it we lose time and suf- 
fer the matter to contiiuie it^i ravages upon the liga^ 
iuent and bones : and that the only eiTcctual practice 
'insists in opening the abscess freely, so that the mat* 
ler may readily escape^ and the diseased bones be ex- 
amined. When this has been done, a!id bleesling 
lias perfectly ceased^ app^y the ointment, No. 3. de- 
.scribed in the prcceediiig chapter ; and let th.e first 
(iressing remain until i^w^ dead parts are ready to se- 
parate merely by vvashing. It is sometimes necessa- 
ry ixi repeat tliis application several time^ ; and should 
it appear n^t sntficiently active, the [rroportion of vit- 
riol and tarpeirine may be increased ; hot in irrita- 
ble blood horses it Vvill sometimes prove too strong, 
A second operation often becoaies necessary, partic- 
ularly if the first have not been boldly performed ; 
and wbenever the matter ap[>ears to be \^^\\i up, or 
conlined \\\ sinuses, the kiiifc and strong dressings 
are Ihe only remedies. When the v/ound has been 
brought to a healthy state, i^w^ coinmon digestive i:i 
the best dres^^ing. 

Mr. Tas 1 n, in his Stable Directory , very pompous- 
ly declaims against tliis method of treating inveterate 
cases of fistul.i and poll evil, it is certainly, how- 
ever, the only effectual one that is known ; aiid iiad 
this verbose antliorbut seen the effect of this remedy, 
as well as of that vvliich he reco liiiiends himself, be- 
fore his book was written, it is proljable he never 
would have favoured the public with i\\^ declamation 
above alluded to. It is sorely more consistant with 
humanity to rescue an animal from a pai^iPu) and gradu- 
al increasing disease, by means of a severe operiition, 
than to suffer him to linger out a life of pain and mise- 
ry, by adopting^ a mild but ineffectual mode oftreai 
ment. 



1^8 



SADDLE GALLS, OK WARBLES. 

These consist of inflamed tumours, and are pro- 
duced by the unequal pressure of the saddle. If ne- 
glected, they become troublesome sores, and are often 
a considerable time in healing. As soon as a swel- 
ling of this kind is observed, let several folds of lin- 
en be moistened with one of the following embroca- 
tions, and kept constantly applied to the tumour until 
it is reduced ; but if matter have been allowed to form, 
let it be opened with a lancet, and afterward dressed 
"with a digestive liniment or ointment. Should it ap- 
pear not to heal readily under this treatment, apply 
the detergent lotion made hot. When swellings of 
this kind are large and much inflamed, it will be ad- 
visable to bring them to suppuration as expeditious- 
ly as possible, by means of fomentations or poultices. 
Should a hard swelling remain after the inflammation 
is in great measure removed, try the embrocation for 
strains 5 and if this do not succeed, recourse must b& 
had to a blister. 

THE EMBROCATION. 

No. 1. 

Water of acetated litharge, 2 dr. 

Distilled vinegar, - - 3 oz. 

Spirit of wine, - - 4! oz. 

Mix. 

No. 2, 
Muriate of ammonia, - | oz. 

Muriatic acid, - - 2 dr. 

W^ter, - - from 8 to 13 oz. 

Mix. 



159 

JSTo. 3. 
^oap liniment^ and water of 7 ^^ 
.ncetated ammonia, of each ^ ^^' 
Mix. 



SITFASTS. 

Are occasioned by repeated bruises from the sad- 
dle^ which^ instead of inflaming the skin, as most com- 
monly happensj cause it to become callous, and give 
it somewhat the appearance of leather. The follow- 
ing ointment is to be applied until the callous part 
appears disposed to separate : it is then to be remov- 
ed, which generally requires some force, and the 
sore which remains may be healed with digestive lin- 
iment or ointment. The sore may be washed now and 
then with weak detergent lotion^ if it appear dispos- 
ed to heal. 

OINTMENT FOR SITFASTS. 

Ointment of althea, - - 4 oZi. 

Camphor, - - - S dr. 

Oil of origanum, - * • 1 dr> 

Mix. 



STRAINS. 

This is a subject with which every sportsman oughc 
to be well acquainted, since his horses are particu- 
larly liable to such accidents. Strains may eilect ei- 
ther muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Muscular strain i 
consist in an inflammation of the muscles or flesh, oc- 
casioned by violent and sudden exertion. When liga- 
aments are the seat of this disease, there is generally 
some part of them ruptured, whereby very obstinate 



1(50 

aiitlsoiuetur.espennaiientlameiiess Is produced ; intlifs 
case also in ilaiiimation is (lie syaiptom which requires 
our attention. But tendons are the parts most frequent- 
ly r.ilected, particularly the flexors of the fore leg, or 
back sinews, as they are commonly termed. Ten- 
dinous strains are commonly supposed to con- 
sist in a relaxation or preternatural ej^tension of 
(lie tendon : and the remedies that have I)een recom- 
mcuded are supposed to brace them up again. How-- 
ever plaitsahle this opinion may be, it certainly is ve- 
vj erroiicous ; indeed it has been proved by experi- 
ment, tiiat tendons are neither clastic nor capable cf 
extension ; and from investigating their structure and 
economy, we learn, tliat were they possessed of 
iiiese qualities, they would not answer the purpose 
for which they v/ere designed. From an idea that a 
strain in the back sinews depends on a relaxation of 
tlie tendons, many practitioners have been apprehen- 
sive of danger from the use of emolient or relaxing 
applications, than which nothing can be more useful 
at t!ie beginning of tlie disease. 

Tendinous strains consist in an inflammation of the 
membranes in which tendons are enveloped ; and the 
swelling which takes place in these cases depends on 
an ciTusiou of coagulalde lymph by the vessels of the 
inflamed part. Inflainmalion being tlie csc-ciice cf a 
strain, we are to employ sucli remedies as are best 
calculated to subdue it ; and should any swelling re- 
main, it is to be removed by stimulating the absor- 
bent vessels to increased action. 



Strain of the Shoulder, 

This disease is by no means so frequent as it is 
supposed ta be, lameness in the feet being often pis^ 



161 

taken for it : the tlifference, however, is so well mark- 
ed, that a judicious observer will never be at a loss 
to distingiiish one from the other. 

A shoulder strain is an inflammation of some of 
the muscles of the shoulder, most commonly, I believe 
those by- which the limb is connected with the body. 
The lameness which this accident occasions comes 
on rather suddenly, and it is generally considerable. 
When iliQ, horse attempts to walk, tlie toe of the af- 
fected side is generally drawn along the ground, 
from the pain which an extension of the limb occasi- 
sions : in violent cases he appears to be incapable of 
extending it. 

Wlien Lameness arises from a disease of the foci:, 
it is generally gradual in its attack, unless occasion- 
ed by an accidental v\ ound, aud does not at all hin- 
der the extension of the limb : an unusual heat and 
tenderness may also be perceived in the foot ; and as 
llie horse stands in a stable, the afi^ected foot will be 
put forward, that it may bear as little as possible of 
the V* eight of tlie body. 

The first remedy to be employed on these occa- 
sions is bleeding in ihc shoulder or plate vein ; then 
give a laxative hall ; and if the injury be consibera- 
blb, lei a rovvel be put in the chest. Ey means of 
these remedies and Kest, the disease will generally be 
removed in a short time ; a cooling opening diet, 
with perfect rest, will also be necessary. When 
the inflammation and lameness begin to abate, the 
liorsc should be turned into a loose stall, and after 
a week or two he mav be sufiered to walk out for a 
short time every day : hut should this appear to in- 
crease the lameness, it must be discontinvied. Th©> 
intention of moderate exercise, after the infia-mmaticn 
)s in great measure sabdoed, is to cilect au absorp- 
tion of any Itfmph that ritay have been eftased, and 
io bring the injured miscles gradually into action. 
After an incident of this kind, particularly when 



iQ2 

it has been violeul;, the horse should not be worked 
ill any way for a considerable time, as the lameness 
is very apt to recur, unless the injured parts have 
had sufficient rest to recover their strength. If he can 
be allowed two or tliree months' run at grass, it will 
be found extremely cond ucive to his recovery, pro- 
vided he is prevented from gallopping or exerting 
himself too much when first turned out. It is neces- 
sary also to choose a situation where there are no 
ditches in which he may get bogged. With respect 
to embrocations, and otlier exteranal applications, 
they are entirely useless, unless the external parts 
are affected ; and then fom entations may be employed 
with advantage. 



Strain of the Stifle, 

In this case the stifle joint will be found unusually 
hot, tender, and sometimes s^vollen. The remedies 
are fomentations, a rowel in the thigh, and a dose of 
physic Wlieu l)y these means the inflammation of 
the joint has abated considerably, and at the same 
time the swelling and lameness continue, the em- 
brocation for strains, or a blistei^ should be applied. 
Strains in the hock joint require the same treat- 
ment. 



Strain of the Hip J cint, f commonly termed Whirl 
Bone^ or Round Bone. J 

When lameness occurs in the hind leg, the cause 
of which is too obscure for the farrier's comprehen- 
sion, he generally pronounces it to be a strain in the 
vc^??id ov wb?rl bone, and witli all that afrc'^tr;ii<^n of 



168 

iiifaliibilHy so commonly observed in those gentlemen, 
I have seen several cases of lameness which were 
supposed to he occasioned by an injury of this part 
but after attentive examination an incipient spavin 
was found to be the cause. I would advise there- 
fore in such cases^ tiiat the hock joint be carefully 
examined, and if unusual heat or tenderness be ob- 
served on the seat of spavin it is probable that the 
lameness arises from this cause, and that it may be 
removed by the application of a blister. I have met 
with several horses that had been severely burnt and 
blistered in the hip, when the hock was evidently 
the seat of the disease. 



Strain oflhe Flexor Tendon, or Back Sinew, 

A strain of the back sinew depends^ as we have be- 
fore observed, on an inflammation of the membranes 
in which it is enveloped,* and is sometimes compli- 
cated with a rupture of the ligaments which are situ- 
ate immediately under the sinewsf . When the lame- 
ness and swelling are considerable, bleed in the shoul- 
der vein, and give a dose of physic ; then let the sat- 
urnine poultice be applied, so as to extend from tlie 
iioof to the knee, and let it be frequently moistened 
with the saturnine lotion. When the inflammation 
and lameness have abated considerably, and a sw^el- 
ling still remains, apply the embrocation for strains, 
rubbing it u ell on the part twice or three times a day. 
If this do not succeed, recourse must be had to a 
blister. It will be advisable also to turn the horse 
loose into a large stable or barn, and to give him 
this kind of rest for a considerable time : should he 

opiate See 9, aaa the back sinew, 66 the membranes, 

fSee Pin*'- 10- 



164* 

i5e worker] too soon after the accident, the part is very 
liable to be injured again, particniar]y w hen it has 
"been violent. Should tlie swellins; continue, not- 
withstanding tiiese remedies have been carefully em- 
ployed, particularly if it feel callous and liard, and 
be perfectly free from inflammation, it will be neces- 
sary to apply to the actual cautery /^See Firing :J 
this operation however, must never be performed 
while any inflammation remains. These swellings 
sometimes prove so obstinate, that even repeated 
blistering and the actual cautery are ineifectual ; as 
soon, however, as the inflammation which caused 
them is completely removed, they seldom occasion 
lameness, yet they will not admit of any violent ex- 
ertion in the part, and are therefore always an im- 
pediment to speed. 

SATURNINE LOTION. 

Acctated lead. - - - - i oz. 
Vinegar and water, of each, - 1 pint 

Mix 

SATURNINE POULTICE. 

Fine bran, - - - -J peck. 

To be made into a thin paste with hot saturnine lo- 
tion : to this add as much linseed m^al as will 
give it a proper consistence. 

-EMBROCATION FOR STRAINS. 

No. 1 

Oil of rosemary and camphor ^ 

of each, - - . i 2 dr. 

Soft soap, - - . 1 oz. 

Spirit of wine, - - 3 oz. 

Mix. 



165 

No. 3 



Soft soap, spirit of wine, oil 

of turpentine, and oint- 

inent of elder, of each, 

Mix. 



4 0% 



Ring Bones, 

Are bony excrescences about tlie small pasteru 
bone^ near the coronet, or an ossification of the cartil- 
ages of Urn foot, /^Bee ,inatomony of the Foot, and 
Plate 5, Fig. 1, and plate y.) If observed in its in, 
cipient state, a buster will probably be of service ; 
but when of longer standing and large, the actual 
cautery will also be necessary. This remedy how- 
ever, IS by no means uniformly successful, the com- 
plaint being frequently incurable ; and if it have 
proceeded so far as to cause a stiff joint, there is no 
chance of recovery. 



11iorous:h-Pin' 



'O' 



By this term is meant a swelling both on the in- 
side and outside of the hock joint. When one of 
the tumours is pressed with the fingers, the fluid 
which it contains is forced into on the opposite side. 
From this communication between the two swellings 
the disease lias probably obtained its name. 

It is generally a consequence of hard work, -and 
therefore difficult to cure : the only remedies are 
blisters and I'est, 



166 






Windgalls, 

Consist in an enlargement of the mncons sacs, wliich 
are placed behind the flexor tendons for the purpose 
of facilitating their motion. The swelling appears 
on each side of tlie back sinew, immediately above 
the fetlock joint. If punctured, they dircharge a fluid 
resembling joint oil ; indeed they frequently commu- 
nicate with the cavity of the joint, and therefore can- 
not be opened without danger of producing an incu- 
rable lameness. Blisters are the only applications 
likely to be of service, and these seldom effect a cure 
unles assisted by rest. This complaint does not of- 
ten occasion lameness, and is therefore seldom much 
attended to ; but as it is almost always a consequence 
of hard work, and often renders a horse unfit for much 
labour, it diminishes his value considerably. 

I have sometimes applied rollers or bandages to 
the legs with good effect, keeping them constantly 
moist with the following embrocation : — 

Muriate of ammonia, - - 1 oz. 
Muriatic acid, - - - i oz. 

Water, - . - . 1 quart. 



Slents. 

Are bony excrescences about the shank bone, i. e, 
^between the knee and fetlock joint ; they never occa- 
sion lameness, unless situate so near the knee or 
back sinews as to interfere with their motion. 

I have met with several cases of lameness, that 
were attributed to splents, when the cause evidently 
existed in the foot. 



m 



These excresceiizes may sometimes be removed by 
strong blisters ; but the old method of braising and 
puncturing the part before the blister is applied seems 
to be most effectual. 



Sjtavin 

A spavin is a swelling on the inside of the hock^ 
and is of two kinds : the first is termed a bone spavin^ 
consisting of a bony excrescence ; the other a btg or 
blood spavin. The former often occasions lameness 
just before it makes its appearance, and then can be 
discovered only by feeling the part^ which will be 
found unusually hot and tender. If a blister be ap- 
plied at this period of the disease, it will generally 
prove successful; but when the disease has existed 
for some time, the cure is much more difficult. — 
In such cases the actual cautery should be applied^ 
and the following day a strong blister : after this, 
two or three months rest (at grass) are absolutely 
necessary. 

The bo^ spavin does not so often occasion lame- 
ness as the other, except when a horse is worked 
hard, which generally causes a temporary lameness^ 
removeable by rest : but it does not often admit of a 
radical cure ; for though it is frequently removed by 
two or three blisters, it generally returns when the 
horse is made to perform any considerable exertion. 

Tying up the vein which passes over the inside of 
the hock has been considered the most effectual rem- 
edy, from a supposition that the lameness was caus- 
ed by an enlargement of that vessel : this operation, 
however, cannot be necessary, since it has been pro- 
ved that the enlargement of the vein i.^ always an 
f'Wex-f; and not a cansQ of the tHaense, 



168 



Curb. 

This term implies a swelling on tlie back part of 
flie hock, which sometimes occasions lameness. — 
Blistering and rest arc the only remedies : it is fre- 
quently necessary, hov/ever, to apply two or threcj 
blisters before the swelling is perfectly reduced. 



CHAPTER XX 



^hiatomy and Physiology of the Foot. 

Of all the disea^^es to which horses are liable, there 
are none more dliHcuU of cure, or that occur so fre- 
quently, as t!K)se which attiick the foot ; and liow- 
ever iniorobablc it mav aonear to those who have 
not paid much attention to this subject, it is. an ia- 
controverti!)le fact, that almost all of them are the 
consecjuence cf had shoeing, and improper manage- 
ment of tiie foot. 

No one can be aware of the importance of this 
branch of the veterinary art, hut he who has had fre- 
quent opportunities of seeing tliese diseases, and lias 
taken the trouble to inquire, into their causes. Such 
a man will be convinced, that nearly half of the hor- 
ses that become unserviceable are rendered so by 
some defect in the feet ; and he will iind that such 
defects are most commonly occasioned by a bad me- 
thod of shoeing : tljererme. it must surely be of im- 
j)ortaiice to every snau who values his horse, to ac- 



m 

ijuire such a knowledge of this subjecl; as mny euti^ 
ble him to preserve so useful an animal from a mul- 
titUile of diseases. 

Tiie had effects wlilcli arise fi-om tlie common prac- 
tice of shoeing are so gradual^ that we can easily ac- 
count for their having heen generally overlooked^ 
the gradations between soundness and absolute lame- 
ness are so numerous, tliat it has been found rather 
difficult to trace tlie disease hack to its source ; and 
this cannot be done readily without having some 
knowledge of the structure of the f jot^ and the ])av- 
ticulai* uses of tlie various parts which compose it. — - 
It is necessary also to he well acquainted with the 
i>atural form of the foot, in order to determine how 
far it has been altered or destroyed hy ;uiy plan of 
shoeing. Kor e?;ampie^ take a horse that ]ias a sound 
well foriped foot, let it be improperly pared, and 
let had shoes he applied; in all probability lameness 
will not be the immediate consequence. 13y a repl- 
tition, however, of this practice, it will be found that 
tlie original shape of the f o t is gradually altered, 
and eventually it will be so far deformed as to pro- 
duce perhaps iucurahle lameoess ; therefore we ought 
not to be satistied with a plan of slioeing, merely be- 
cause a horse is not immediately mnde lame by it but 
should examine also the effect produced by it up- 
on the shape and structure of the foot; and this rule 
may invariably be depended on^ that any mode of 
shoeing and treating the foot, which has a tendency 
to alter the form given to it by Nature, is highly ab- 
surd and destructive ; while that practice which tends 
to preserve its ori£;inal form is founded upon sound 
and rational principles. 

It has been very jnstly observed, that if we wish 
to examine a perfect foot, such as Nature made it, it 
is generally necessary to find one that has never beejt 
shod 5 for the common mode of shoeing is5o frequent^ 

15 



170 

ly destructive, that we seldom meet with a horse 
"uhose feet have not lost, in some decree, their origin- 
al form ; and this diviaiion from their natural shape 
is t;eiierally proportioned to the length of time he has 
worn shoes. From this circumstance, writers on far- 
riery have heeu led to form various opinions respect- 
ingithe most dejirahle form for a horse's foot ; but had 
they consulted NATURE, this variety of opinion would 
not have existed : they would have been convinced 
that the fee. of all horses in a state of nature, or not 
improperly slioed, are nearly of the same shape ; and 
surely no one vvill dispute that this f* rm, which the 
C' eator has given it, is the most perfect, and far bet- 
ter adapted to ail the purposes for which the animal 
was designed, than any that can be given by the most 
ingenious farrier. 

A person unacquainted with tlie anatomy of the 
horse's foot would naturally suppose, that the internal 
parts are simply enclosed by the hoof, and that by its 
hardness it served to protect them from the blows and 
pressure to w hich they would otherwise be constant- 
ly exposed ; but very little reflection would convince 
him how incomplete and inadequate such a protection 
would be. Let him be convinced that those internal 
parts are replete with blood-vessels and nerves, and 
possessed of a high degree of sensibility ; let him con- 
sider, also, what an immense weight is throw n upon 
them at every step, and what painful concussion must 
be occasioned to the animal, were this the only safe- 
guard against external injury. Nature, ever provi- 
dent, has so constructed this part, as to obviate these 
inconveniences. If we examine any part of the ani- 
mal economy, we are astonished at the infinite \vis- 
dom that is displayed in it. It is not however too 
much to assert, that the structure of the horses faot 
is strikingly beautiful and curious ; here we find a 
variety of wonderful contrivances to prevent any pain- 



171 

fal concussion, from carrying heavy burdens, or from 
the most violent exertions ; but such is the folly and 
obstinacy of farriers, that they frequently destroy^ or 
pervert the whole of this beautiful meclianism, and 
the poor animal is doomed to painful labour, or per- 
petual lameness. 

It would not be consistant with the objects of thi.s 
chapter, to give an elaborate description of the a- 
natomical structure of the liorse's foot ; but it will 
be essentially useful to give such an explanation of 
it, as will enable the reader fully to comprehend the 
principles of shoeing, and the method of preserving 
the feet from many troublesome and incurable dis- 
eases. 

The horse's foot is made up of a great variety of 
parts, some of tliem possessing blood-vessels and 
nerves, like other parts of t\m body, and highly sen- 
sible ; others are composed of a dead horny^ sub- 
stance, perfectly destitute of feeling. All tlie exter- 
nal parts of the foot, whicli, when taken together, are 
termed the coffiin or hoof, are composed of this liorny 
substance ; which is not only very hard, but is pos- 
sessed also of a considerable degree of toughness and 
elasticity, that render it extremely durable, and well 
calculated to protect the sensible parts which it en- 
closes. 

The hoof consists of tiie tc all or crust, ih(^. sole the 
frog and the bars. Tiie upper part of the crust, where 
it is connected with the skin, is termed the coronet; 
the lower part in front, the toe : the sides of the crust 
are named the quarters ; the quarters terminate in 
t\m heels; and the heels are connected with the frog. 
The crust grows from tlie coronet, and instead of tak- 
ing a perpendicular direction, becomes oblicjue in its 
descent, Vv hereby it acquires a conical figure,, being 
considerably wider at the basis than at Ihe coronet. 
This description of the hoof applies only to the 
healthy foot that has not been improperly treated : 



for when the bars have been cut away, and the frog 
mutilated and prevented from receiving pressure, the 
heels will contract or approach each other, and the 
shape of the foot will be considerably altered. 

When we examine a hoof that has been recently 
scpemted from tlie foot, an immense number of small 
orifices or pores may be observed in that groove 
w hich is found on the inside of the coronet. Into 
these orifices the extremities of those vessels are in- 
serted which secrete the horny matter, tlie whole of 
which appears to be pervaded by a fine fluid, ser- 
ving to prevent brittleness, and to preserve in the 
hoof a proper degree of elasticity. 

All tlie internal surface of tlie CTust, except th6 
groove we have just mentioned, is covered by a 
beautiful membranous or laminated substance, which 
very much resembles the under surface of a mush- 
room. This is united, or rather interwoven, ^uth 
similar lam in » or membranes, which cover all the an- 
terior and lateral surfaces of the sensible foot, form- 
ing a very secure union between the crust and the 
internal parts. Nor are these membranes possess- 
ed merely of great strength : they possess like- 
wise a considerable degree of elasticity, constitu- 
ting one of those curious springs which Nature 
has ])rovidcd to prevent concussion when the an- 
imal is in motion. Tliat these laminsa form a 
union between the crust and sensible foot, of suffici- 
ent strengdi to suppoi't the animaPs weight, has 
been proved beyond a doubt, by removing from a 
living horse the bottom of the lioof, tiiat is the sol^ 
and froo". In this case, had the laminai been unable 
to support t!ic horse's weight, the internal foot must 
have slipped through the hoof, so as to come down 
upon the ground : but this did not happen ; and the 
sole, as it was reproduced, assumed its proper con- 
cave form. 

As tjiese laminae form so secure a union bet veeu 
the crust and tlio internal foot, it is evident that ths 
Iior«8 is in great measure supported by the crusty 



17S 

wliich tlierefore ouglitto possess considerable strength, 
for if it were too weak and flexible, it would not be 
adetjuate to the burden which it has to sustain, and 
must consequently bend to it. In this case the hoof 
would lose that oblique form which it had originally, 
and would approach the horizontal line. (See Fig. 1 
and 2, Plate 3.) At the same time, the soul would 
lose its concave form, from receiving an unusual de- 
gree of pressure, becoming flat, and at length convex, 
or projecting. (See Fig. S, Plate 2.) But when 
the crust is sufficiently strong, the internal foot, and 
consequently the whole animal, is suspended by 
those elastic membranes, as a carriage by its springs ; 
and tiiough the bottom of the internal foot is in con- 
fact with the soul, it nevertheless does not press up- 
on it considerably, except when the horse is in mo- 
tion, and the back part of the soul descends a little, 
being somewhat elastic, and suffers the laminae to el- 
ongate in a small degree, so as to prevent any pain- 
ful concussion. 

The bottom of the hoof is formed by the sole^ 
the FROG, and the bars 

The sole is rather concave or liollovv on its ex- 
ternal surface, and consists of a different kind of 
horn from that w hich forms the crust, being of a 
scaly texture, and sometimes soft and pulverable 
on its exterior surface : its use is to defend the sen- 
sible sole, that lies immediately under it. Fron? its 
concave form the horse is enabled to tread more 
firmly on the ground, and tlie sensible parts are less 
exposed to blows or pressure, than they would be 
had it been made either fiat or convex ; and being 
somewhat flexible and elastic toward the heels, it 
assists in the action of tkose carious springs we have 
ju«t desribed. 

The fros; is a very important part, and requires 
to be particularly considered. It is intimately uni- 
ted with the sole^ but is composed of a tougher and 

15 * 



17^ 

more elastic kind of horn. It resembles a wedge in 
its form ; but towards the lieel, where it becomes 
wide and expand.ed, there is a separation in the 
middle which is continued tothelieel. When tiie 
frog receives the pressure of tlie horse's weight, this 
^separation is increased, and conseque itly the frog 
becomes wider ; and as it is connected with the I)eels 
of the crusty the same effect must be produced upon 
tlicm. 

As great part of the frog is placed behind the cof- 
fin bone, all the intervening space between it and 
the back sinew being filled with a fatty elastic sub- 
stance, it forms another of those curious springs 
which Nature has provided to prevent concussion. 

When the frog is in contact with the ground, it is 
evident, from its connection with the heels of the 
crust, as we have before observed, and with two car- 
tilages or elastic bodies, which are covered in great 
measure by the heels and quarters of the crust, and 
belong to the internal foot, that it must tend to widen 
or expand the heels; and however they may be dis- 
posed to contract, by the foot being kept hot and dry, 
such contraction cannot possibly take place v/hile the 
frog bears on the ground, because it is then opposed 
by a very considerable part of the aniraaFs weight. 

It has been supposed by some, that tlie princi[>al 
use of the frog is to serve a.s a cushion and point of 
support to the back sinew. When we consider, how- 
ever, the structure and relative situation of these 
parts, this opinion does not appear to be very prob- 
able. From what has been said of the frog, the 
reader may judge of its importance, and how neces- 
sary it is to attend to its preservation : but such is 
the mutilating practice of farriers, so determined do 
they seem on all occasions to act in opposition to na- 
ture, that this essential part is generally the first 
that is destroyed or rendered useless. 

The bars form two ridges^ one on each side the 



frog, extending from the heel of the CY\x^( toward 
the toe of the frog : they appear to be a continuatiou 
of the crust, being, like it, composed of strong long- 
itudinal fibres. At tlie part where it j,;ins the crust 
a verj fine bearing is afforded for tlie heel of the 
shoe. (See Fig. 2 Plate 1.) The use of the bars 
is, to oj^pose any disposition there may be in the hoof 
to contract, by acting as props to the heels : but in 
the common practice of shoeing they are j^cnerally 
destroyed ; for farriers have supposed that they bind 
the heels together, and prevent their expansion : they 
therefore name them binders, and cut them away in 
order to open the heels as they terni it. This prac- 
tice, however, is not now so frecjuent as it used to be* 
(See Plate 1 Fig, 2 and Plate 6.) 



Having finished our description of the hoof w^ 
we shall proceed to describe the internal or sensible 
foot, which is represented in plate 5,'^- as it appears 
when recently taken from the hoof, the arteries ha- 
ving been injected with wax red coloured. 

All the parts of Vvhich the internal foot is compo- 
sed are, as we have before observed, endued with 
great sensibility ; and so nicely is it adapted to tlie 
cavity of the hoof, that it completely fills it, without 
sufiering the least inconvenience from pressure : but 
when the foot has been improperly treated ; when 
the frog has been deprived of its hard surface for 
the purpose of giving it what fiirriers conceive a neat 
and fashionable appearance (as if Nature had been 
so clumsy in this part of her work, as to require a 
polish from the hands of these ingenious gentlemen;) 
when the frog has been thus mutilated, the bars 
destroyed, and shoes applied that are eitlier turned 
up or made very thick at the heels 5 and when this 

^ Frontispiece.- 



176 

slioe for the purpose of saving trouble, has been ap- 
plied to the foot nearly red hot — in such circum- 
stances the hoof must necessarily contract, where- 
by its cavity will be diminished, so that the nerves 
and blood-vessels will be compressed, the circula- 
tion of the blood impeded, and inflammation and 
lameness will most probably be the consequence. 

All the interior and lateral surfaces of the sensi- 
ble foot are covered w4th that membranous or lami- 
nated substance which we have before described ; 
but it differs from those laminae which are found on 
the internal surface of the crust, in possessing nu- 
merous blood-vessels, which can be easily demon- 
strated by injecting coloured wax into the trunk 
of the arteries ; but the laminae of the crust cannot 
be made to appear vascular even by the finest injec- 
tion, and are therefore supposed to be insensible. At 
the upper part of the sensible foot, where the lam- 
inae terminate, a roundish projecting body may be 
observed, extending all round the coronet to the 
back part of the frog : this is termed the coronary 
ring. Its surface is covered with the extremities 
of vessels, which are very conspicuous when the 
arteries have been injected with coloured wax or 
sise : it is from this part that the hoof \^ formed. 

The bottom of the internal foot is formed by the 
sensible frog and sole : the former perfectly resem- 
bles in shape the liorny frog, to the concavities of 
which its convexities are nicely adapted. In des- 
cribing the horny frog, we had occasion to mention 
its connection with two elastic bodies or cartilages 
that are in great measure covered by the heels and 
quarters of the hoof ; but this connexion is through 
the medium of the sensible frog, which is more im- 
mediately united to those cartilages. When the 
former comes in contact with the ground, and re- 
ceives the pressure of the horse's weight, the latter 
is foi'ced upward and rendered wider^ and at th^ 



same 'time the cartilages are forced up^^^ar(l and out> 
Mard, tending thereby to expaml the heels and quar- 
ters, and assisting in taking off concussion. From 
the sensible frog and sole, the horn which compo- 
ses tlie external frog and sole i? secreted. For this 
purpose they are supplied with numerous blood-ves- 
sels, the extremities of which may be seen upon their 
surface, and become very conspicuous when the ar- 
teries have been injected with coloured sise. Hence 
we are enabled to account for thrushes, and that 
rottenness of the frog w hich generally accompanies 
this disease ; for when the sensible frog is compres 
sed and inflamed by a contraction of the heels, it be- 
comcB incapable of performing its principal function, 
tliat is, the secretion of horn ; and the blood which 
sliould have been applied to this purpose is chiefly 
expended in forming that offensive matter discharged 
in thrushes. From this we may learn also the cause 
of that unnatural thinness in the soles of horses that 
have pumice or flat feet. When the crust gives way 
to the pressure of the horse's weight, allowing the 
internal foot to bear so upon the sole as to render it 
either flat or convex, the extraordinary pressure 
which the sensible soul receives inflames it, and im- 
pedes in a greater or less degree the secretion of 
horn. 

The sensible soul lies immediately under the hor- 
ny sole, by w hich it is defended from blows or pres- 
sure. When the horny soul loses its concave form, 
and becomes thin, and incapable of performing its 
function, if flat shoes were applied, or if the sole were 
suffered to bear upon the ground, lameness would be 
the consequence ; and it is for the purpose of pre- 
serving the sole from pressure that the concave or 
hollow^ shoe is employed in those cases. When these 
parts wiiicli we have described are removed from the 
sensible foot; tlie tendous ligaments, and bones, come 
into view* 



tn Plate 9 is a back view oftlie bones, ligaments^ 
and tendons. In tliis the course and insertion of th^ 
back sinew, or flexor tendon, may be seen, as well 
as the lateral cartilages. The flexor tendon is en- 
closed in a sheath, which is laid open in one part in 
order to show the tendon: it has been removed also 
from the bottom of the tendon, that its insertion may 
be clearly seen. 

\ In Plate 10 are represented the ligaments, for 
Which purpose the tendons were removed. The lat- 
eral cartilages may be seen in this view also. 

In Plate 11 and 15 are a front and back view of 
the bones. It will be unnecessary to give a partic- 
ular description of these, as their form and relative 
situations may be seen by referring to the plate. It 
may be useful, however, to point out the sesamoid 
bones, and the navicula, or nut bone : the former are 
connected posteriorly with the lower extremity of 
the cannon, or shank bone : they consist of two small 
bones, firmly united by means of very strong liga- 
ments : they compose part of the fetlock joint, having 
a moveable articulation with the cannon bone. Their 
external part affords a smooth polished surface for 
the back sinews to slide upon, and the same liga- 
ment which composes this surface comes round the 
back sinews, so as to form a sheath for them, and 
keep them in their situation. In this sheath a fluid 
similar to synovia, or joint oil, is formed, for the 
purpose of rendering it smooth and slippery, and 
enabling the tendon to more easily upon it. As 
these bones project a little, they serve as a pulley 
for the tendons to slide upon, a ul afford a consider- 
able mechanical advantage to the ilexor muscles of 
the limb. T'le nut bone serves as another pulley 
for the tendon or back sinew to move upon : it is 
connected posteriorly with the coMn bone and the 
small pastern, and aff trds the same kind of polish- 
ed siivf ir.e and sheath for the tendon as we have be- 
fore described. 



m 

CHAPTER XXL 

On the Practice of Shoehis;. 

HAVING given, in the preceding chapter, a con- 
oise description of the horse^s foot, and pointed out 
the uses of the various parts which compose it, I 
shall now describe the method of shoeing. It will 
be necessary to premise, that the mode of shoeing 
most commonly practised has a destructive tendency 
and produces such a variety of diseases, that we sel- 
dom meet with a foot that has not lost, in a greater 
or less degree, its original shape : it must be ob- 
vious, therefore, that one kind of shoe cannot with 
propriety be recommended for general ap[ilicati >n, 
and that it is necessary on all occasions to adapt it 
carefully to the state of the foot. This constitutes 
the most difficult part of the art of shoeing ; and 
from neglecting this precaution, shoes of the best 
form have often occasioned lameness. 

In Fig. 1, Plate 1, is represented a colts hoof in 
a state of nature, of which no part has ever been cut 
away, or ever been shod : this we have given as a 
standard of perfection, from which the goodness of 
feet in general may be judged of ; for surely no one 
will hesitate for a moment in admitting that the nat- 
ural form is the best it can possibly possess. 

In Fig. "^ of the same plate is shown a perfect foot, 
properly prepared for the shoe. In this foot the su- 
perfluous horn has been cut away, and an even sur- 
face made for the shoe to bear upon. 

If we examine the feet of a hundred colts, it will 
be found that more than ninety f?f them are of the 
same form. It is ivwQ that scoie may have grown 
more luxuriantly than others, whereby the crust will 



180 

be deeper, and the bottom part may have been par/ 
tially broken, so as to give the foot a ragged and im- 
even appearance ; still the essential shape is the 
same ; and when tliis superfluous horn has been re- 
moved, it will be found that the bottom of the foot 
■will be nearly ( ircular, the sole conca\ e, the bars dis- 
tinct and the frog and heels open and expanded. 

In preparing the horse's foot for a shoe, the low? 
er part is to be reduced, when luxuriant, which is gen- 
er^iily the cas^, more particalaily at the toe, and this 
is to be done hy means of a buttress or rasp : the loose 
scaly parts of the soul are to be removed, so as to pre- 
serve its concavity : and a small cavity is to he made 
with a drawing knife, bet een the bar and crust, to 
prevent the shoe from pressing on that part, and oc- 
casioning C!»rns : it is, however, necessary, in do- 
ing this, to take particular care that the connexion 
between the bar and crust is not destroyed or weak- 
ened, which would of course render the har useless. 

The junctiou of the bar and crust aff5)rdsatirm 
bearing for the heel of the shoe, and is to be rasped 
perfectly flat, and so low as to be exactly on a level 
With the frog, th tt may benr equally on a plane sur- 
face before the shoe is applied ; indeed, the wh(de of 
the bottom of the crust is to be made perfectly flat 
and even at the same time with the rasp, that the sho^ 
may bear equally on every part of it. Farriers should 
neTer be allowed to do this by means of a hot shoe, 
which is too frequently the case. If any ragged "• 
parts are observed in the frog, they are tone carefully 
removed with a knife ; for, if suffered to remain, they 
mig] it afford a lodgment for dirt and gravel. Thus 
do we prepare afoot for the shoe; and to a foot of 
this description, I mean one that is sound and perfect 
or that has not suffered any material allerati;»n in its; 
form from improper shoeing, the shoe (Fig. 3 Plate 
4) is to be applied. 

The toe of the shoe, for a middle sized horse, itf 



^ 181 

about an inch Jn witlth, and half an inch in depth ^v 
thickness ; the heels about half an inch in width, 
and three eights in depth. The wearing part of the 
toe is to be made of steel ; and it may be obser- 
ved, that the nails are brought very near to the toe, 
but not quite round it ; for when that is done, theic 
must also be a groove made, which cnasiderably 
weakens that part, and almost all horses wear prin- 
cipally at the toe. Both surfaces of the shoe are 
perfectly Hat ; and the heel of the shoe rests upon 
the junction of the ])ar and crust, beyond which it 
should never extend. 

It will be supposed, perhaps, that a shoe which 
is flat on that surf^ice next the foot will be apt to 
produce lameness by pressing on the sole : bsit let it 
be recollected, that this shoe is recommended only for 
a sound foot, in which the sole is always a little 
concave ; so that it cannot possibly receive any pres- 
sure from a flat shoe. It may be sail also, that when 
the nails are placed so far from the heels, the shoe 
^vill not be sufficiently secure, and will be frequent- 
ly loosened ; but as the shoe bears equally on every 
part of the crust, tliis objection cannot have any 
weight. It must be granted, however, when a foot 
is pared in the common way, that is, when the heels 
have been opened, and the shoe so applied, that 
nearly an inch of the heel has no bearing upon the 
crust ; that, if the nails were placed so far from the 
heels as I have recommended, the shoe would be 
very insecure; for, as much of it as had no bearing 
Upon the crust would operate ocasionally as si lever 
in raising the nails ; and consequently the shoe 
would frequently be loosened. Farriers therefore 
find it necessary, when the f:)ot has been thus pa- 
red, and the shoe applied in this way, to place the 
nails in the quarters, by which the shoe is certainly 
rendered more secure than it would be had they been 
placed nearer the toe, 

16 



i82 

Many tllsadvantai^es^ liowever, attend this metb- 
oti. In the first place^ by placing the nails in the 
quarters, they prove a considerable obstacle to the 
exj;ansion of the heels ; and as the crust is general- 
ly ranch thinner at the quarters than at the toe, the 
sensible parts are more liable to be wounded : but 
this does not apply to the hind feet, in which the 
crust of tlie quarters is generally thicker than that 
of the toe. When a horse overreaches, if any part 
of the shoe has no bearing; on the crust, it is very li- 
able to be struck b\ the tue of the hind foot ; and 
shoes are often forced off in this way. To this 
may be added the insecuri y of such a shoe when 
a horse is rode on a deep or heavy ground. 

It will probably be observed of the shoe which I 
have recommended, that it is inconsistent with the 
principle which has been laid do'vn respecting the 
necessity of the frog's receiving pressure. I bciieve 
it is an incontrovertible fact, that unless the frog 
receives a certain degree of pressure, it vtill become 
soft, and incapable of affording stifiirient ])rotection 
to the sensible fros;. wiiich it covers ; and that the 
heels will gradually coatract, and the natural form 
of the foj)t will be destroyed ; for I have proved, 
by experiment, that the bars alone are not suilicejit 
to prevent contraction, though they certainly oppose 
it with considerable force ; but it does not follow 
that it is necessary for tlie pressure to be con- 
stant, nor do I believe that a shoe which allows the 
frog to b«ar upon the ground, when the horse stands 
upon a plane hard surface, can be always applied 
even to sound feet without inconvenience. There 
can be no doubt that a horse in a state of nature has 
Lis frog almost always in contact with the ground, 
and then of course, he feels no inconvenience from 
it ; but when burdens are placed upon his back, and 
he is driven about upon hard roads, he is certainly 
in very different circumstances ; and if the frog in 



183 

snch cases were constantly exposed to tliis severe 
pressure, it would sometimes, I believe occasion 
lameness. 

In the foot prepared for the shoe, (Fig. 2 Plate 1) 
the frog and heels are on a level, and if placed on 
a plane Iiard surface, would bear equally ; by ap- 
plying the shoe, (Fig. 3 Plate 4) the fi:og v/ould be 
raised three-eights of an inch from the ground ; so 
that when the horse is going upon a hard surface, 
where he would be most liable to feel incanveni- 
euce from the pressure on the frog, it receives none 
but upon soft yielding ground the frog certainly re- 
ceives pressure, and without giving the animal any 
])ain. To a horse that travels or works regularly, 
var.l is occasionally taken upon soft ground, I be- 
lieve the pressure tlie frog recieves in tliis way is 
quite suiEcientto preserve the foot in a state of health 
hut vv lien a horse is kept alrjost constantly in the 
stable, standing upon hot litter, particularly in hot 
and dry weather, ills feet will certainly be undergo- 
ing an altera lion in their rorin, and will be in a 
progressive state towards disease. 

In t\w.^e, cases, however, contraction of the hoof 
may be effectually prevented by means of the pa- 
tent artificial frog, iinented by ^Iw Coleman.* By 
this ingenious contrivance a horse's frog may receive 
suSiclent pressure, in whatever circumstances he may 
be placed, to prevent contraction, and keep the foot 
sound and health}^, without the inconvenience of 
wearing thin heeled shoes ; but it must be remem- 
bered, that whenever the frog is much exposed to 
pressure, whether it be applying the patent frog or 
by the tliin heeled shoe, and reducing the crust at 
the heels, it is necessary the quarters and heels should 
possess a proper degree of pliancy. If t*liey be ri- 
ged and indexible, it is evident that the sensible frog 
and cartilages would be placed between two fixed 

* Professor of the Veterhuary Colleg-e. 



184 

points^ and they would consequently be bruised and 
inflamed. 1 have indeed seen several cases of lame- 
ness produced in this 'w ay. Whenever the hoof, 
therefore, appears to be too dry and strong, or to 
have losi its natural elasticity, it is necessary to rasp 
the quarters, and keep the m hole hoof moist, either 
by applying several folds of flannel round the coro- 
net, constantly wetted, or by making the horse stand 
in soft clay four or five hours during tlie day : by 
these means the natural flexibility of the horn would 
be restored, and the heels and quarters yield in a 
small degree, whenever the horses weight was thrown 
upon the frog. 

Having said as much as appears to be requisite of 
the method of shoeing a sound foot, I sliall proceed 
to describe those diseases of the foot which render 
a different kind of shoe necessary. In the first place 
it will be proper to observe, that when a horse, even 
with a sound foot, has worn shoes that are very thick 
or turned up at the heels, particularly if at the game 
Umc the crust at the heels have been suHered to gro<V 
so high that the frog is kept at a considerable distance 
from the ground, it m ould be very improper to re- 
duce tlie heels* suddenly, so as to allow the frog to 
receive pressure, since the back sinews would in lliis 
Case be injured, and lameness might ensue. In ft'Qi 
of this description it is necessary to remove from the 
toe all that can be done without exposing the part too 
^Jiucli, and to lower the heels gradually : the toe of 
the shoe should l)e rather thin, and of the best steel. 

The shoe fordrau2;]it horses should be made flat 
on both surfaces, provided the sole is of a proper 
form and thickness, but if flat or convex, and con- 
sequently too thin, which is often the case in horses 
of this description, the internal surface of the shoe 
must be concave : still the external surface shovild 
be flat : for the convex shoe, which is commonly used 



iB5 

for (Iraugiit horse, prevents tliem from treading se 
curely, and renders them incapable of exertini^ the 
whole of their strength. 



CHAPTER XXII 



Diseases of the Foot, 



The most frequent cause of lameness in the foot 
is a contraction of the horny matter that composes 
the hoof, generally accompanied by an increased 
concavity and thickness of the sole. The cavity of 
the hoof being thus diminished, the sensible foot 
suffers a greater or less degree of compression, which 
occasions in it inflammation and la;':eness. When 
we examine the bottom of a contracted foot, instead 
of being circular, it will be found of an oblo^tg form ; 
the heels and frog will appear as if they had been 
squeezed togetlier. Sometimes the frog lias become 
rotten, and discharges an otlensive matter. 

The sensible foot may also be compressed and in- 
flamed by an increased thickness, and a consequent 
loss of elasticity in the hoof and sole, and in this 
case there is seldom any considerable alteration ol)- 
served in the external form of the foot. 

We sometimes meet with horses that go perfectly 
sound though their hoofs are much contracted : on 
the other hand we often see severe lameness produ- 
ced by a slight degree of contraction. In attempt- 
ing to cure this disease, the Hv^t step to be taken is 
to remove carefully with a knife all the rotten parts 
of the frog, and apply tar to those which are sound. 
A small quantity should also be poured into the cleft 
of the frog : this will promote the secretion of horny 



186 

ma^tter, and if a«?siste(l by pressure, will increase 
the solidity of that which is already formed. The 
quarters and heels are thea to be rasped, particularly 
at the coronet^ and the superfluous parts of the sole 
removed with a butteris and drawing knife. The 
toe is to be shortened as much as can be conveniently 
done ; and if the heels be too high, that is. if the crust 
at the heels be too deep, it will be necessary to re- 
duce it with the butteris and rasp. It frequently 
happens, however, in feet of this description, that the 
heels are too low : in such cases they must be care- 
fully preserved ; and when a shoe is applied, it 
should be made thicker at the heel than at the toe, 
and somewhat longer than that recommended for a 
sound foot. 

When a contracted hoof has been thus treated, the 
next thing to be done is to keep the foot as moist as 
possible, and expose the frog constantly to pressure, 
either by means of the artificial frog, or by reducing 
the crust at the heels. When these remedies have 
been persevered in for a short time, the frog will have 
acquired a certain degree of hardness and solidity ; 
it will then be proper to turn the horse out into some 
soft meadow ground, without shoes, taking care that 
the bottom of the foot is occasionally reduced, so that 
the frog may constantly receive pressure. If tlie foot 
be examined after a short time, it will be found that 
all the new formed hoof at the quarters and heels — 
' that is, all the horn that has been produced at those 
parts since the remedies were first employed — instead 
of growing down nearly in a perpendicular direction 
or obliquely inward, is forced outward in its descent, 
so that the cavity of the hoof will be considerably en- 
larged, and the compression of the internal parts re- 
moved. When the horse has been at grass a suffici- 
ent time, for the new hoof to grow completely down, 
the shape of the foot will be found much altered 5 the 



187 

iieels, instead of being narrow, iviil be open and ex- 
panded, the frog will be considerably widened, and 
notsquezed together as before, and the oblong form 
will be changed to one that is more circular ; in short 
when the frog during this lime has been properly ex- 
posed to pressure, and the quarters so rasped as to be 
rendered sufficiently flexible, the hoof will be found 
very similar in its form to that of a ct)lt. 

In cases where a contraction of the hoof has already 
produced inllamation and lameness, particularly if 
the lameness be not recent, it will be advisable to blis- 
ter the pasterns previous to turning the horse out : 
and when the inflamatipn is very considerable, a lax- 
ative ball, with a cooling diet, will be serviceable. 
The cruel operation of drawing or tearing off the sole, 
has been recommended as a remedy for contracted 
feet, but very little reflection Avill convince any one of 
its inefficacy. Whenever it has been supposed to do 
good, the benefit has probably arisen from the long 
run at grass that becomes necessary after it, and then 
the advantage might have been equal, perhaps great- 
er, had the operation been omitted. It has been ob- 
served before, that in contracted hoofs there is gene- 
rally an increased concavity in the sole, whence we 
may reasonably conclude that it opposes the contrac- 
ting causes, though in the end it is not capable of pre- 
venting the contraction from taking place. Upon a 
horse that has been lame from this disease a consider- 
able time, it is difficult, if not impossible, to perform 
a radical cure : in such cases I have several times suc- 
ceeded in removing the lameness, but the internal 
parts had become so irritable, or their organisation 
had been so altered, that very moderate work would 
cause the lameness to return. When the lameness is 
not so considerable as to render the horse totally un- 
fit for work, it will be advisable to apply a shoe, that 
is thicker, wider, and longer at the heels, than that 
recommended for a sound foot ; and if the frog be teu- 



188 

der and rotten, the bare shoe will be found servicerf^ 
ble. (Plate 4, Fig. 2.) It will be useful also to keep 
the hoof as moist as possible, by making the horse 
stand in wet clay four or five hours during the day. 

In examining after death the feet of horses that 
Lave been thus diseased, we find ge.erally that the 
laminae have been destroyed, the form of the coffin 
bone altered, and its size diminished,^ or the lateral 
cartilages ossified. In some cases, however, no ap- 
pearance of disease can be perceived on tlie internal 
parts of the foot. When the disease is gone so far 
as to injure the laminse, cartilages or coffin bone, there 
is not a possibility of removing it, which shows how 
necessary it is to attend to the feet of horses more 
than is commonly done : and that whenever any al- 
teration is perceived to be going on the shape of the 
foot ; when the heels appear to be getting narrower, 
the frog squeezed together, and discharging matter, 
m consequence of the compression which the sensible 
frog suffers ; it surely must be of importance to adopt 
such measures as w ill not only prevent the disease 
from going any further, but will also restore the foot 
to its natural healthy state ; for when it has gone so 
far as to produce absolute lameness, the cure is by no 
means certain. How frequently do we meet with 
horses that are said to be tender in the feet ! and how 
subject are they to fall in consequence of this tender- 
ness, which generally arises from contraction of the 
crust ! In this case the sensible frog is extremely ir- 
ritable and inflamed ; and the horny frog which na- 
ture designed for its protection being soft or rotten, 
and inadequate to its functions, every blow that it re- 
ceives must of course give the animal very considera- 
ble pain ; and I have known many valuable horses 
thrown down in this vf ay ; since however high and 
"wide the heel of the shoe may be, the frog will be 
subject to occasional blows from sharp projecting 
stones. Whenever, therefore, any of tbose symptoms 



inake their appearance, and whenever the foot seem^ 
to be undergoing an alteration in fotm, immediate re- 
course should be had to the mode of prevention we 
have pointed out. 

The next disease to be noticed is the flat and con- 
vex sole, or, as it is more commonly termed, the pum- 
ice foot, which is represented in plate 3, Fig. 2, 
This disease most commonly occurs in heavy draught 
horses, and seems to arise from a weakness of the 
crust ; for when the sole becomes flat or convex, the 
crust also loses its proper form, and becomes flatter, 
appearing as if it had been incapable of supporting 
the animals weight, and had therefore given way, al- 
lowing the internal foot to press so upon the sole as 
to give it the appearance we observe. This explan- 
ation of the disease will perhaps appear better foun- 
ded, if we consider, that v, hen a horse is drawing a 
heavy load, not only his own weight, but great part 
of that which he is drawing also, is thrown ultimate- 
ly upon his feet; and as the fore feet support by far 
the greatest sliare, it is not at all astonishing tliat the 
crust should sometimes give way ; for though it pos- 
sesses sufficient strength for the purpose of the ani- 
mal in a state of nature, yet tliat strength is limited, 
and not always adequate to the heavy burdens which 
the crust has to sustain. When the sole becomes flat 
or convex, it is rendered also thinner than it is natu- 
rally, and sometimes so much so, as to yield easily to 
the pressure of the finger. The sole, in this state is 
of course incapable of affording sufficient protection 
to the sensible sole, which is then closely in contact 
with it; and if it be exposed to pressure, lameness 
must be the consequence. It is almost superfluous 
to observe, that tlie flat shoe would be ill adapted 
to a foot of this description : it becomes necessary 
in this case to apply oiie that is concave on its inteiN 
nal surface, that tlie sole may not receive any pres- 
sure, from it^ and of sufficient width to protect tUf 



190 

sol(? as niucli as can be done from tlie pressure of tlis 
ground. In Plated, Fig. t, iliis sh )8 is represented, 
in which it may be observed, that although the inter- 
nal surface is concave, still there is a flat surface for 
the crust to bear upon. In attempiiug to cure this dis- 
ease, it is first necessary to take off the horse's shoes, 
and to make him stand on a Hat hard surface : this 
kind of pressure will harden the soles, and in the 
end render them thicker, particularly if tar be fre- 
quently applied to them. I cannot say that 1 have 
eter seen the disease radically cured, by this treat- 
ment, but I have known considerable advauir*ge de- 
rived from it, especially in one case, where the soles, 
from being convex and very thin, became flat, and 
sufficiently firm to bear moderate pressure withdui in- 
convenience to tlie liorse. 

We sometimes meet with horses, particularly a- 
mong those that are well bred for the turf, whosc^ 
pasterns are* remarkably Ions: asid oLdione iu tlicir 
position, v.hile the heels are very low, and the toe of 
considerable length. If thin heeled shoes \vcvc ap- 
plied to feet of this description, or if t!ie toc«i were not 
kept short, the horse would be very liable to lame- 
ness, from the extraordinary presii-re to v/hlch llie li- 
gaments and ba.ck sinews would be exposed : the 
heels therefore of such horses are to l^e carefully 
preserved, and the toes kept as short as possible. The 
shoes which are applied should be made suMciently 
thick and longatth.e heel to make up for the delRci- 
ency of horn in that part, in order to relieve the liga- 
ments and back siniews : and with tlie same view the 
toe should be made ratlierthin. and of the best steel. 

There is another kind of deformity somelinjes ob- 
servable iu the foot, that is, the hoof loses that oblique 
form represented in Plate 3, Fig. 1, and approaches 
towards the perpendicular, (Fig. 3:) at the same 
time the heels become very high. In this case it is 
necessary to reduce the crust at the heels, and apply 
the thin heeled shoe. 



191 

Sand C racks. 

Are loiii^itsidinal iissures in the hoof^ generally 
near the heels, beghiniiig at tiie coronet. Horses^ 
Avhose hoofs have become dry and brittle^ are saost 
subject to them. They generally occur in tlic hot 
and dry months ofsum ler, and seem to be occasion- 
ed by a strong dlspjisiiion in the hoof to contract^ 
at a time when it is dry and irsliexlble. They do 
not always cause lameness^ a:id nre s jmetimes very 
easily cured : but when i\i^. iissure is so deep as to 
reach the seijsible parts, it »>fteu produces very severe 
lameness, and reipiires a considerable time to be com- 
pletely removed. Having ra-^ped the quarter, let 
the crack, be opened with a d -twing kniie, so that 
tlie actual caulery, or red hot iron may be applied 
to it. This vvill cause a matter somewhat resem- 
bling glue to exude, hich vvill teiid to Hdl up the 
fissure, and protect the sejisible parts Hiat would 
otherwise be exposed. Our next ol^jeci is to reaiove 
the contractile disposition of the hoof, without d oiag 
which every ottier remedy would avail lis^tle. This 
is to be eirected by keeping the hoof con4antly 
moist, either by meaiis of clay, or by turning ti;e 
horse out to grass n soft moist ground ; but previ^ius 
to this it is necessary to rasp the bottom of that quar- 
ter which is cracked, so that no part of it may bear 
upon the shoe. 



i93 
Corns. 



Corns are generally the consequence of bad sboe- 
ing, or improper management of the foot, and may 
therefore be avoided by following the directions j 
have given under that head : but when they do oc- 
cur, it is necessary to remove the red pare, or corn, 
with a drawing knife, and to apply the shoe so that 
the tender part may not receive any pressure. Wben 
it has been neglecfed, we sometimes find matter for- 
med in this part, which often breaks out at the coro- 
net : in this case it is necessary to make an open- 
ing for the matter in the angle between the bar and 
<^rust. (See Fig. 3, Plate 1, Letter e.) 

The sore is to be dressed Avith compound tincture 
of benzoin, and the cavity to be loosely filled with 
digestive ointment, which is to kept in by means of a 
bar shoe. 



Quittor. 

This disease generally arises from a wound or 
bruize in the coronet, and, if neglected, penetrates 
under the hoof, forming sinuses in various directions. 
The most eflPectual method of treating this complaint 
is to ascertain in the first place, the direction and ex- 
tent of the sinuses, and then to force into them with 
a strong probe some crystallized verdigris, rolled up 
in thin blotting or silver paper. This, tliough ap- 
parently a severe remedy, will be found I'ery effec- 
tual. Sublimate and arsenic have been strongly re- 
commended as remedies for the quittor ; indeed it 
\ii probable that any caustic applicatioa would eflfect 



1*93 

a cure ; but I have succeeded so well with thecrjs- 
talized vcidegris, that I have not been induced to 
trv those medicines. When a corn has been nes:- 
lected and suffered to break out at the coronet, or 
when the foot has been wounded^ ov jiricked, as it is 
tevrted by the fcirrier, in shoeing, and tliis is not dis- 
covered until matter appears at tlie coronet; though 
these Tiiay be considered as cases of quittor, a dlf- 
feve.jt treatment is required from that we have just 
described. In these cases tlie cure greatly depends 
on making an opening for the matter in the bottom of 
the foot, wliere the nail which inflicted tlie injury 
entered ; or if pri)duced by a corn, the opening must 
be made in the angle between the bar and crust, at 
e, Fig. 2, Plate 1. The best dressing on these oc- 
casions is the compound tincture of benzjln and di- 
gestive oiiitment ; a paultice is sometiaies r^fjuiced 
to softe:! tie h rcny aiitier, aud s:ibdiie any ialamina- 
tidn that ma.y exist in the foot. 



Thrush. 

This disease consists in a discharge of fiBied flat- 
ter from the cleft of the frog, v»hich part is geiieraiiv 
rottesi.and so soft as to be ip.capable of aiTc-rdiii.^- suf^ 
ncient |)rofection to the sensible froi-% which it covers i 
lience arises t'lat tenderness of the foot which is so 
ofte;} observed. When this complaint attacks the 
fore feet, it is seldom, if ever, an origi.ad disease, 
but merely a i^i/mptom or an effect.. ' Tlie cause is 
generally a contraction of the horny matter at ihi^, 
quarters or heels, by which the sensible frog is com- 
])ressed and inllamed : tlie discharge \yhicb takes 
place is a consequence of this intianiati(5n„ aodmiy.^'. 
considered as aii effectual effor!; of nature to cure it-. 

17 



194 

The (IiscIku'^o^ liovvever, ceitainly diminishes tlic in 
ilaniation, and prevciits it from becoming so consider- 
able as it otherwise \yoiild ; for it often happen* wiien 
it has been stopped by the injudicious application of 
astringents^ or when it ceases spontaneously that the 
inllamation becomes violent 5 extends to the otlier 
parts of the foot, and occasions severe lameness, wliich 
generally is relieved or removed by a return of the 
discharge. But we are not to infer from this that an 
attempt to cure thrushes is improper ; it only shows 
that it is necessary in the first place to remove tlie 
cause of the disease. With this view the quarters 
are to be rasped, and the hoofs kept constantly moist, 
by making the horse stand in clay some part of the 
day, taking care to keep the frog dry by means of tar. 
When by these means we have succeeded in remov- 
ing in same measure the compression and consequent 
inilamaiion of the sensible frog, it will be advisable 
to apply some astringent to the frog, which, ifas«ist- 
ed by pressure and tar, will render that part firm and 
solid, and the discharge will of course cease, when 
the infiamation leaves the sensible fros:. 

The best astringents for this purpose are a solution 
of v/hite or blue vitriol, allum, <^'c. There are somo 
cases, however, of thrushe.'i, which, though occasioned 
by compression of the sensible frog, it is difficult, if 
not impossible, to eradicate. I have examined feet 
With this disease after death, and have found tiie con- 
cave part or cleft of the spusible frog in a state of ul- 
ceration, wduch of course rendered it inca])a!)le of se- 
creting li or ny Clatter, and proved a constant source of 
thrushes. 

With respect to those thrushes that attack tlie hind 
feet, and which sometimes, though rarely, happen al- 
so in the fore feet, independently of the above cause, 
^ different treatment is required. When the discharge 
has existed for a considerable time, by stopping it 
hastily; we frequently j^^roduce iafiamatioa and swel- 



19j 

ling of the legs : silU it is necessary to check the dis- 
ease, since, if neglected, it sometimes degenerates in- 
to that dangerous disease termed canker. It is ad- 
visable, therefore, in such cases to liecp the bowels 
open by the following laxative ball, given every mor- 
ning, until tlie desired elTect is produced, and repeat- 
ed occasionally. The best application mr the frog 
is tar, and one of the above astringents : other reme- 
dies, however, liave been strongly recommended, a- 
mong wliich arc powdered lime, Egyptiacum, tincture 
of myrrh, and other astringents. This treatment will 
be greatly assisted by two or three liours exercise 
civery day, and frequclit haad rabbiiig to the legs. 



LAXATIVE BALL. 



Alo3.s, - - - S dr. 

Castile soap, - - 3 dr. 

To be made into a ball for one close. 



C a nicer. 

This disease frefjuently originates in a thrush, and 
most commonly attacks the hind feet : it generally 
proves difficult to cure, and not unfrequently incura- 
ble. The frog is the part first attacked, which be- 
comes soft and rotten, discharging matter of a pecu- 
liar oJBfensive smell. The horny frog is at length 
totally destroyed, and the sensible frog, instead of 
secretiiiG! horn, forms a substance somewhat rcsemb^ 
lingshieds of leather. The disease soon extends io 



196 

the sole and other parts of the foot, even to the cof- 
fin bone, and is then, I believe, incurablt*. The first 
thing to be done is to cut away freely all the diseas- 
ed parts ; a.nd vhcn ilie bh^eding is stop])ed, let the 
follov/ing liniment be applied, and rejieaied every 
morning ; the dressings mny be ke]>t on by means of 
a ])ar shoe. Pressure on the diseased part will nia- 
tcriallv assist in effectiiia; a cure. Whenever tlic fo^it 
is dressed, such diseased parts as niav ai^ain make 
tlieir appearance are to be carefully ren;oved : and to 
sncli as do not appear to be sufficiently affected by tiie 
linaniento let a little sulphuric or nitrons acid be ap- 
plied. When the parts which v»'ei'c diseasiMl begin 
to look read and healiliy^ and the discliai'gc loses that 
peculiar smell before noticed, becoming wliiter and 
of a thicker conaisteuce, there is great probability of 
pt perfect cure being effected ; andwiieo these favor- 
able appearances take place, some mild application 
will be proper, except to such parts as do not appear 
to have entirely lost their foul appearapxc. 



STRONG LINIMENT, 



Xo. 1. 



Oil of turpentine, 
Bulph uric acid, 


1 iVA. 

i oz. 


jMix very cautiously, 




Tar, 


4 oz. 


Mi;;. 





197 
No. 3. 

Bert nitrated quicksilver loa. 

Nitrous acid, - " ^°^- 

The farmer being dissolved in the latter, mix theift 
cautiously with four ounces of tar. 

MILD LINAMENT. 

Crystallized verdegris, finely povvdered, 1^ oz. 
PoS'rcd bole and allum, of each. i oz. 

^nnegar enongl' to give it the consistence of a lini- 
uieiit, to be mixed over a gcutlc fuc. 



Cutting. 

A liovse is said to c^ wV.eu he vyounds tV.e inside 

nf die fetlock ioint with his foot in travelling. 1 his 
ottuetaioc.vj.. ^ common ot 

raav arise from vaiious Ci.asus, „f *i,„ fnnt ■ 

'vhkh soems to be, an '^^^'^,:i'''^f±:^"^ 
,e toe instead of being n a i"'«;;; ' \'!^\X"^{', 

the slioukler, incUr.ing "^^ i}*^^- '"Y^" ." ,"" ^^'^fou'r 
il,P l-it'-r case we gsncrally tind tlia. tUo m.io. qaui 
t the Sis lower than the other and U.a. he 
faulty position of the foot depends "P"" « ;^^^;^i';4 
ity of the quarters ; it must be f y^" ■'^;;' ^:;!X' ;-^ 
Ml" remedy in this case consists m lo-Acu.i?, tlic o u 
tPerf and making the inner ™ <^^^J^ 

^■^5 t'UnLrr hovsl y^le to cut on the 
'^^k ;L k^S at the l:-er part of H.^;^^ uus 
k termed the speedy cat, irora its h^^^^r- i-.'O-! 



ids 



ti-ot or gallop, a,ul is considered as a dan-erou*s fail- 
ing... a horse, the violence of the pain which ihebh^w 
occaswns somet.raes causing him to fall very sudden- 

as possible, that being the part which geneivllv in- 

r flti,^,. C^»f.ug frequently depends upon'weakness 
01 fatigue, and is therefore very liable to hanpen to 

cause until tne legs acquire more strength, or to nro- 

turned. V^^hencver a horse cuts, it is advisable to 
ascertain what part it is that inflicts the wound, and 

led iTarf ?• ''-S^'r '^' "PP'-^'"S *'^'- '^ ^^e v^oun 
t he I W f M .11 of course adhere to the part of 

w^n ". z z -r'rl', ''"r' '"'" ""'^«'=t with the 

wound. Should It be the edge of the shoe, which I 
believe IS seldom the case, the cause may be eas Iv 

naTbe if{/'' nT"''^''- ""V''^''''' P*'"' "^ "- '«>ofi^ 
W wiM V"? '^'^ '-^^P!'! '^"-ay as much as can be 
done with safety and particular attention paid to the 

e mnHv '" °""1' ^""^ ''^'''^'' '<" '"^'""P"' should 
Oe improved as much as it can be by shoeing. 



199 
CHAPTER XXIII 

MISCELLAJS'EOUS 

1. Of Bleeding, 

THIS operation is frequently necessary in tiie 
diseases of horses^ and is performed either with a 
lancet or phleme, in the neck vein. 

The blood should always be preserved, that the 
quantity drawn may be accurately known, and that 
Its quality maybe ascertained. If. after it has co- 
agulated, a white, or rathef a light or buif-cofcured 
jelly, be found on the surface, an inSanuaatory state 
of the body is indicated : bul in order to render this 
criterion useful, the blood must not be taken from 
too small an orifice, nor should it be suffered to run 
down the sides of the vessel which receives it. 

Blood drawn from a healthy horse very soon co- 
agulates, and appears like a uniformly red jelly, with 
a small quantity of fluid resembling water floating 
on its surface. This red jelly may by washing be 
rendered of\i light buff colour, and exactly resembles 
the buff orsise, as it is termed, of inflamed blood.— 
The most healthy blood, therefore, contains this sise ; 
and the cause of its not being conspicuous in sucli 
blood is, that coagulation takes place before the red 
colouring matter can have time to separate from it ; 
but as blood that is drawnTrom an animal labouring 
under general wfiunmation or fever always pre- 
serves its fluidity much longer than healthy bloody 
and as the red colouring sarticles speciflcally heavier 
than the fluid with which they are mixed, 'they will 
of course be gradually subsiding as long as the mass 
continues fluid; leaving a coat of buff-coloured jelly on 
the surface. 



^00 



It has been observed before, that liealtby blood, 
wheiisuiTered to coagulate, appeer.-^ to consist of two 
parts, the red jelly termed crassamentum, and the 
water, or serum; and that the former may afterward 
be sepaVated, by washin-g, into two parts, viz. the 
red coloured particles, or red globules, ^s they are 
termed by anatomists, and buff-coloured jelly, or co- 
agidable hjmpli. Tlie proportion, Avhich these com- 
ponent parts of the blood bear to each other, seems 
to depend upon the state of the system at the time it 
is drawn. When the body is healthy and vigorous, 
we find but little serum ; when it is pretcrnaturally 
excited, or in a state of inilammation, there is still 
less ; and when the animal is weak and debilitated, 
there is generally an abundance of serum. Anoth- 
er cii-flimstance to be attended to in examining blood 
is the firmness or tenacity of the coagulum. In health 
the blood, when drawn and suffered to coagulate, is 
of a moderately firm consistence, and easily broken ; 
but when the system is highly excited, as in general 
inflammation, so great is the tenacity of the mass, that 
the finger can scarcely penetrate it. On the other hand 
when the powers of life are weak, as in the latter 
stage of symptomatic fever, the blood almost loses 
its power of coagulating. I recollect a glandcred 
liorse that'was made the subject of experiments, and 
that died in consequence of large tk.\\(X repeated do- 
ses of mercury; the debility this produced was ex- 
cessive ; and the blood appeared as thin, and near- 
ly of the same colour, as claret. The necessity, there- 
fore, of examining blood that is drawn from c^ dis- 
eased horse must be obvious, as it assists in form- 
ing a judgment of the nature of the disease, and 
points out the proper remedies. When blood ex- 
hibits buff' on its surface, particularly if at the same 
time, the coagulum be firm and solid, v, e may be cer- 
tain that the complaint i>3 infiammatovy, and that 
bleeding may be repeated with advaiita^e. If, on 



SOI 



the otlier baud, tlie mass of blood be wanting in U,- 
iiacity, RUil have more serum Ihau usual, we may 
safely couclude that the system is in a state of de- 
bility, and consequently that bleeding is highly im- 
proper. 

in cases of symplomatic fever ii will generally be 
necessary to take away four or live quarts of blood at 
tl:C ilrst bleeding ; I liave seen even six quarts taken 
wilh mimifest advantage. It is at this period of the 
disease (its conimenccmeni) that cupious bleeding is 
particularly useful ; and it is from an absurd preju- 
dice whicli obtains against this practice^ that so many 
liorses are destroyed by such fevers. It is truly 
laugliableto hear a groom or farrier pronouncing witli 
an affectation of unerring sagacity upon the qualities 
of blood; frequently observing that it is too hot, and 
tliat consequently the liorse must have a fever; that 
it is too dark coloured, and therefore foul ; or that it 
is too thick, and consequently unfit for circulation ; 
and sometimes it is said to be full of humours. With 
respect to the /iefi^ of the blood, it will be sufficient to 
observe, that it preserves nearly the same tempera- 
ture while circulating in the body, whether the ani- 
mal be an inhabitant of the most sultry or of the 
coldest country, ^vhether in health or in the highest 

As to the colour of the blood while flowing from the 
body, it may be either red or of a dark colour, as the 
operator pleases ; since by pressing on the vein, for 
a short time before the orifice is made, it may always 
be made to appear of a dark colour. If an artery he 
opened, the blood v/hich flows from it will be of a 
bright scarlet colour. The opiniou that blood some- 
times becomes thick or viscid in the body, was sup- 
ported 1)y many respectable j)hilos()phers, but is now 
universally abandoned, because it has been proved to 
erroneous. 

I think it a bad practice to bleed horses frequent- 



202 

\y when there is no Urgent occasion, as tiiey thereby 
acquire a plethoric habit; and unless the operation 
be regularly performed and gradually increased in 
frequency, troublesome diseases might ensue. Hors- 
es of a full habit, that are consequently liable toin- 
flamatory complaints, will receive most beneiit from 
moderate and long continued exercise, and good 
grooming. When bleeding is performed for the cure 
of important inHammatoiy diseases, a large ovificc 
should bC' made in the vein, and the !)lood drawn in 
a large stream, as wc thereby diminish the action of 
the heart and art^eries much more readily than if it 
were drawn slovv'lv from a small oriiice. In cases of 
external and circumscribed inHammation, topical 
bleeding is eminently useful, which is done by opew- 
ing some veins contiguous to the aiTectcd part, or by 
scarifying the inflanjed surface. 

Thus in diseases which depend upon an undue pro- 
portion of blood in the vessels of t!ic brain, relief will 
often be obtained by opening the artery of the tem- 
ple : and when the eye is much inflamed, it will be 
found useful to scarify the inner surface of the eye-lid. 



2. OfFhpic. 

In purging horses, great care and attention arc ne- 
cessary, their bowels being particularly irritable, and 
liable to inflammation. The physic commonly given 
is certainly too strong, and I am convinced that ma- 
ny horses have been destroyed by the immoderate 
doses that have been recommended by writers on far- 
riery. When this happens, the mischief is general- 
ly attributed to the coarseness or impurity of the 
medicine, and the druggist is undeservedly censured. 
A modern author has ingeniously availed himself of 
this prejudice, to explain the violent effects which 



^08 

Ills catliarlic presciipiions have soHietinies produced. 
I must presume^ however, to sii g2;est, that these ef- 
fects were more pro])ab]y occasioned by the exces- 
sive quantity than by the impurity of the purgative 
ii)2;redieiits. 

The only certain and safe purgative for horses is 
aloes ; and of the different kinds of aloes, the Bar- 
hadoes is undoubtedly the best. The siiccctrme^ 
which is generally considered the niildestj as well 
as the most certain in its effect, is too weak, and so 
very uncertain and variable in its operation, that wo 
cannot use it without frequent disappointment. Prac- 
titioners seem now to be convinced of the superiority 
of the Barbadoes aloe, as it has been sold of late near- 
ly at double the price of the succotrine. 

It is advisable to prepare a horse for physic by giv- 
ing him bran mashes for a day or two. This will 
gently relax the bowels, and remove any indurated 
faeces that may be lodged in them : it will also tentl 
to facilitate the operation of tije medicine. 

About a peck of bran divided into four feeds will 
be sufficient for twenty- four hours ; and as it is de- 
sirable to give the horse l»ut a small quantity of liay, 
I think it advisable to add to each bran mash about a 
pint or more of bruised or broken oats, which will 
tend to preserve his strengtii and condUion. Ife 
should be allowed to drink a moderate quantity of 
water frequently. 

When a horse is purged for the first time, it is pru- 
dent to give a very m«Klerate dose. Were the com- 
mon quantity given to one of weak irritab'e bowels, 
there would be danger not only of producing great 
debility, and thereby of counteracting the intention of 
the medicine; but likewise of destroyiua; the animal, 
by bringing on an inilmmation of the bov» els ; and 
thisJs by no mean)?; an upusual pccurreace. Should 



204i 

tlie first ball not operate saMciently, a stronger may 
be i^iven after an interval of a feu days.* 

The morning is the best time for giving a purga- 
tive, t.'ie liorse having previously farted two or 
three hours. If he be disposed to drink afer taking 
the bali^ give a moderate quantity of warm water, 
whicli will promote its solution in the stomach, aod 
consecjuentiy expedite the operation. Duriu-:; this 
day the horse is to be kept in the stable, and fed with 
bran mashes and a moderate quantity of hay : he 
may be allowed also to drink plentifully of warm 
water : aud if he refuse it in this state, let it be of- 
fered nearly cold, l^he following morning he is to 
be exercised : and at this time the medicine will gen- 
erally begin to operate. Should the purging appear 

* Mr John Laurence recoramencls from one ounce and an lialf to four- 
teen drains of succolrine aloes, as a nioderate dose for a race lior^e, a dose 
which £ a!Ti sure would in many horses prove very iiijurious ; and as a rem- 
edy for that kind of co ic or gripes whicli often happen from too strong a 
dose of ph}'s'.c, or from bad rnana'rement during' its operation, he recom- 
mends in slight cases a coi'dial ball, and in more serious cases camphor dis- 
solved in a small quantity of gin, Avith oil of amber, and balsam of capavi 
and Peru, all of them powerful stimulants, and very likeiy in such cases to 
j;rcduce inf^amation in the bowels. Whenever ahorse appears sick 
and griped after taking physic, or, as the above author property describes 
Jam, hanging dovi-n his head, refusing h-S food, appearing as if swollen in 
ihe carcase, heaving inhis wanks, and frequently tlirowingup his tai^, v/ith- 
out ability to evacuate, all medicines of a stimulating quality should be avoi- 
ded, t'.ie strait gut should be emptied by t!ie hand, and afterward chstcjs of 
water gruel ; with olive or linseed o!i, sliould be injected. Tlie horse 
should be allowed to drink frequently of warm water, or thin water gruel ; 
and if he refuses to drink, it is absolutelv necessary to drench him several 
times a day. These means, assisted by walking exercise, will soon, bring 
^>lijm evacuation, and the horse will be relieved. It is often supjioscd that 
these unplciisant syniptoms are caused by some bad quality in tlie aloes. 
TKii I am c<-nvrnceil from long experience that it is net so ; and I will ventaie 
to afii: m tl'.at the above s\mptonis are always occas'oned either bv too large 
a dose of aloes, or by treating the horse improperly after he has taken it. 
Anotiicr circumstance may sometunes assist, and that is, the stcmacli con- 
taining too large a ciuantiiy of food at the tin.c. physic is given, and particu- 
larly if tlie food be defficieut in moistii.v. Cut this can never hao|}en if 
the directions we have given heduly »;!)served. 1 havv: for several years en:- 
]-)!o}ed the 13 ij'badoes aloes very extensively, giving, often, from thii-ty to 
iifly doses in the course of a week ; and liave found, that ti'om half an ounce 
to one oruice, may be considered as the proper dose. For a delicate blood 
horse ha'f an ounce generally proves sufficient ; to a cyiJinon saddle iursc 
five or six di-ams ; to a waggon horse, one ourice. 



205 

to Le siiiScieiit, lie need not be taken ©ut a second 
time ; bat when the desired effect does not readily 
tske place, trotting exercise will tend to promote it. 
During this day also he is to be carefnlly supplied 
^\it!i bran mashes and warm vv-atcr. Warm clothing 
more particularly when out of the stable, must not be 
omit.ed. The next day t!ie purging will generally 
liave ceased; and then a small quantity of corn may 
be allowed. When physic does not operate at the 
theu^ual time, the horse appearing sick and griped, 
relief raay generally be obtained by giving a clyster 
of water gruel, and making him drink freely of warm 
water, assisted by exercise. When the purging con- 
tinue^i longer than usual, and the horse appears to be 
CO sidcrably weakened by tlie evacuation, let the as- 
tringent ball be given. 

It will be observe], perhaps, that some ingredients 
coEiimoiily thought necessary, in physic, have been o- 
mitted m the follovving formulae. These medicines 
have been proved, however, to be perfectly useless^ 
Jallap, though given to the amount of four ounces, 
wiii produce very little purgative effect upon a liorse ; 
nor will salt? or cream of tartar. Rhubarb, howev- 
er large the dose, will not operate as a purgative, 
tht>ugii it mn^/ be useful in inoderate doses as a stom- 
achic. 

Ko. i, 

Barbadoes aloes, - 5 dr. 

Prepared natron, - - S di\ 

Aromatic powder, - 1 dr. 

Oil of caraways, - - 10 drop? 

3irrup enough to form a ball for one dos««. 



i8r 



S06 




- No. ^. 




Barbadoes aloes, 
Castile soap, 
Powdered ginger. 
Oil of caraways, 


7 dr. 

A OZ. 

1 dr. 
10 drops 



Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 

No. 3. 

Barbadoes aloes, - 1 oz. 

Prepared natroii, - - 3 dr. 

Aromatic powder, - 1 dr. 

Oil of anise -seeds, - - 10 dropsy 

8irup enough to form a ball for one dose. 

The ball No. S, I have generally found sufficient 
for strong horses, and have scarcely ever had occa- 
sion to go farther than No. 3. Should any one, how- 
ever, be desirous of a stronger medicine, it may rea*- 
dily be procured by adding one or two drams of aloes 
or one dram of calomel to the ball No. 3, but I must 
not omit to observe, that there appears to me to be 
a considerable danger in making the addition. 

Since the former edition of this book was published 
I have found great difficulty in jiVQCuvin^ genuine snc- 
cotrine aloes, and have often been disappointed by it ; 
I have been induced therefore, to use the Barbadoes, 
and can now recommend it with confidence, in prefer- 
ence to every other kind. The Barbadoes^ aloe is 
of a dark brown colour, approaching to blackness, of 
a strong disagreeable smell, not very brittle and o- 
paque. 



S07 
Diuretics, 

These are medicines, wliicli, by stiraulatiug the 
kidneys, increase tlie secretion of mine. The follow- 
ing; formulae I have found both convenient and ef- 
ficacious. 

]so. 1. 

Castile soap^ - 4 oz. 

Powdered resin and niti*e^ of each 2 oz. 
Oil of juniper, - - .j oz. 

Lioseed powder and sirup enough to give it a pro- 
per consistence, to be divided into six balls, for 
strong, or eight for weak delicate horses. 

No. 2, 

Castile soap, - 4 oz. 

Venice turpentine, - - 2 oz. 

Powdered anise -seeds enougli to give it a proper 
consistence, to be divided into six balls. 



Alteratives 

These are medicines whicli produce their effects al- 
most insensibly : the following formulae will be found 
efficacious : 

ALTERATIVE P0^¥DERS. 

No. 1. » 

Levigated antimony, - 6 oz. 

Flowers of sulphur, - - 8 oz. 

Mix for eight doses. 



S08 

No. g. 



Powdered resin, 


4i oz 


Nitre, 


3 oz 


Tartai'ised antimoiiv. 


1 oz 



Mix for eicrlit doses. 



S5' 



No. 3. 

tTdwaslied calx of antimony, 3 oz. 

Calomel, - - 2 dr. 

, Powdered anise-seeds, - 4 oz. 

Mix for eight doses. 

Should a ball be thought more convenient than 
powder, the change may be easily made by the ad- 
ilition of sirup and linseed powder. 

A dose of iliQ alterative powder should be given 
eveiy evening with the corn until the whole quanti- 
ty (that is, eight doses) are used. 

But the powder No. 3. should not be continued so 
long, on account of the calomel w'hicli it contains, un- 
less the horse be taken great care of. and the eiTects of 
the medicine carefully w^atclied. Whenever it is ob- 
served to occasion sickness, griping pains, loss of ap- 
petiie, or purging, it should be immediately discon- 
tinued, until tiiese symptoms go off. 



Laxatives. 



This term is applied to opening medicines that op- 
erate very mildly, and produce so gentle a stimulous 
upon the intestines, as merely to liasten the expul- 
sion of their present contents, without increasing 
the secretion?. Castor oil seems to be the best me- 



S09 

tlieiiie of this kind, though the oil of olives or of lin- 
seed will produce nearly the same effect. The dose 
of the former is about a pint : but the latter may be 
given to a pint and an half. When a laxative ball is 
required, the following will be found useful : 

Succotrine alces^ - § oz. 

Castile soap. - - 3 dr. 

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 



3. Blistets, 

Previous^ to the application of a blister, the hair 
should be cut from the part as closely as possible, 
the blistering ointment is to be well rubbed on it, and 
afterwards a small quantity is to be spread over the 
part with a warm knife. When the blister begins to 
operate, horses are very apt to bite the part, which if 
suffered, might produce a permanent blemish. It is 
necessary therefore to guard against tliis accident by 
putting what is termed a cradle about his neck, or by 
tying him up to the rack. When the legs are blis- 
tered, the litter is to be entirely swept aw^ay^ as the 
straw might irritate the blistered parts. 

BLISTERING OINTMENT, 

No. 1. 

Spanish flies, powdered, § oz. 

Oil of turpentine, - 1 oz. 

Ointment of wax or hog's lard,, 1^ oz. 
JMix. 

18'^ 



No. 2. 

Oil of turpentine, - 4 oz:. 

To which add gradually^ 

Vitriolic acid, - - S dr. 

H'^g's lard, - - - 4 oz. 

Spanish flies, powdered, 1 oz. 

Mix. 

No. 3. 



Common tar, 


- 


- 




4 


oz. 


Vitriolic acid, 


- 






1 


dr. 


Oil of origanum. 


- 


" 




1 

2 


0%, 


Hog's lard. 


> 






2 


oz. 


Spanish flies, pow 


dered, 


ii 


or 


2 


oz. 



Add the vitriolic acid gradually to the tar, and then 
the rest of the ingredients. 

Memarlc, — ^The blister No. 3. is remarkably use* 
ful in removing enlargements of the back siniews or 
windgalls. It is necessary to be very careful in 
mixing the vitriolic acid with tho tar ; for unless they 
are intimately incorporated, the acid will act as a 
caustic upon the skin and produce ulceration. I have 
seen horses suffer severely from this, particularly 
when in blistering the legs, it has been applied also 
to the back part of the pastern, or to the heel, a part 
that should always be protected from the action of the 
blister, by having some hog's lard smeared over it 5 
being so irritable that a blister sometimes causes ul- 
cers, which in this part are difficult of cure. Subli- 
mate is often recommended as an ingredient in blis- 
ters, but it is very apt to ulcerate the skin, and leave 
a permanent mark or blemish. I have therefore o- 
mitted it in the above formulae 5 but ia cases of bone 



^11 

orspavhij in which severe blistering is tiecessaiyj if 
may be employed with advantage. I have for some 
time employed the following blister for common pur- 
poses^ and iind it more convenient than the others. 

No. 4. 

Hog's lardj - 6 oz;. 

Venice turpentine^ - 4 oz. 

Bees' wax^ - >- S oz. 

Yellow lesin, - - 1 oz. 

Oil of Origanum, - ^ oz. 

Powdered cantharides^ 3 oz. 

Melt the first four ingredients j and when removed 
from the fire, and not too hot, stir in the oil of origan- 
um and cantharides : continue stirring until cold. 
Should this blister become too hard in winter, it may 
be softened by rubbing it with a little oil of origai^ 
um or turpentine, in a mortar or on a slab. 



4- Fomentations. 



Fomentations are commonly made by boiling worm- 
wood, southernwood, camomile flowers and bay 
leaves in water, so as to make a strong decoction, 
which being strained off, is to be applied as hot as 
can be, without giving pain to the animal, by means 
of large flannel cloths. The efficacy of fomentations 
depends in great measure on their use being cuntinu- 
ed for a considerable time together, and being fre« 
quently repeated. *^ 



5, Poultice* 

The following mixture will be found useful as a 
common pouUice : Fine bran, one quart; pour on it 
a sufficient quantity of boiling water, to make a thin 
paste ; to Ibis avid of linseed powder enough to give 
it a proper consistence. 



6. Mcwels, 

When these are used with a view of relieving in- 
ternal inflammation or fever^ it will be found useful to 
apply blistering ointment instead of tuqientine, or the 
digestive commonly made use of, for this will pro- 
duce a considerable degree of inflammation in a slfort 
time. 



7. Clysters, 

A variety of compositions have been recommended 
for clysters by tliose who have written on the subject 
there being scarcely an article in the Materia Medica 
that has not been occasionally employed in this way. 
I have found, however, from considerable experience 
that for a common clyster, water is as efficacious as 
the most elaborate composition. When this cannot 
be readily procured, I have been in the habit of using 
j^arm water, and without perceiving any difference 
in the effect. Where a purgative clyster is required, 
from four to eight ounces of common salt may be ad- 
ded : and if an anodyne be wanted^ or an astringent 



213 



let half an ounce of opium be dissolved in a quart of 
water gruel. The best method of administering clys- 
ters, is by means of a bladder and pewter pipe. If 
a clyster be employed for the purpose of emptying the 
large intestines, or of purging, the quantity of liquid 
.should not be less than a gallon, or six quarts; but 
when it is used as an anodyne or astringent; from a 
quart to 3 pints of liquid will be sufficient. 



8. Pulse, 



In the management of sick horses great advantage 
may be derived from attending4o the state of the pulse 
as we are thereby enabled to judge of the degree or 
violence of the disease, and the probability there may 
be of recovery : we are in some measure assisted al- 
so by it, in ascertaining the nature of the complaint, 
and in tlie application of remedies. 

In a healthy horse, the pulsations about 36 or 40 in 
a miiinte, and may be felt very distinctly either on 
the left side, or in an artery that passes over the low- 
er jaw bone : in short, pulsation may be felt in every 
siqjerjicial artery. When the brain is oppressed, 
the pulse generally becomes unusually slow. In a 
case of water in the brain, which occurred lately, the 
j>ulse fell to 23 in a minute ; in the progress of the 
disease, however, it became unusually quick. 

When a horse appears rather dull, and does not 
feed properly, it is advisable to examine the pulse, 
and if he be found to exceed the standard of health, 
immediate recourse should be had to bleeding. By 
tliis timely interference many dangerous complaint^ 



S14 

may be pre V edited. When the pulse rises to 80 or 
90 in a minute, there is reason to be apprehensive of 
danger ; and when it exceeds 100; the disease fre- 
quently terminates in d^ath. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



COXDITIOX. 



By the term Condition is to be understood not 
merely a fat sleek appearance in a horse ; it implies 
also a proper degree of vigour, by which he is ena- 
bled to perform extraordinary labour, without being 
too much fatigued. Every defect with respect to con- 
dition must originate either in disease^ or in bad 
grooming. Under the latter head must be compre- 
hended feeding, exercise, and the general manage- 
ment of the stable : the former will include various 
disorders, which will be concisely described, and the 
most effectual means pointed out for their removal. 

In treating of the anatomy and physiology of th^ 
internal organs, an explanation has been given of tiiat 
curious process by whicli the body is nourished, and 
enabled to perform its various functions with regular- 
ity. Thence it will appear, that in order to produce 
that degree of vigour and general healthiness of ap- 
pearance wljich constitute good condition, it is neces- 
sary that these organs sliould be in a state of healthy 
and that no impediment should exist to the perform- 
ance of their functions. This, hov/ever, sometimes 
happens ; we shall therefore proceed to show the va- 



215 

rious impcvfec lions which tend to prevent a hor^ 
from acquiring condition. 

1st. Tenderness in the month, jpreventins; the 
horse from masticating freely. — It some times hap- 
pens that the molar teeth or grinders wear so irregu- 
larly, as to have sharp edges, by which the inside 
of the cheek_is wounded : the pain which the act of 
chewing occasions in this case induces the horse to 
swallow some part of his food unbroken, which, lie- 
ing difficult of digestion, frequently passes through 
the body unchanged. This defect is particularly in- 
convenient in liorses that are separated from others 
by hails only ;* as in barracks their more active neigh- 
bours have an opportunity of sharing their allowance. 
This complaint may be removed by rasping down the 
sharp edges of the teeth, for which purpose there 
are files made by vaterinary instrument makers, and 
by applying to the wounded cheek, the following mix- 
ture : 

Powdered allum, - ! oz. 

Honey, . - - 2 oz. 

Vitriolic acid, (strong) - i% drops. 

Infusion of roses, - - b g%. 

Mix. 

It will be necessary until this defect be removed, to 
give the horse broken corn, which may be more easily 
digested, It has some times been fouod necessary 
to remove a projecting tooth before tlie horse can be 
relieved, for which purpose a large strong tooth in- 
strument is made. 

When young horses are cutting their teeth, tlic 
mouth sometimes becomes inila'ned and leader. This 
is another circumstance which may impede mastica- 
tion, but is easily removed by vvasiiing the inflamed 
parts frequently wilh the above mixtures Should 
a slight degree of fever su[iervene, bleed Moderately, 

* See further remarks on bails ia the subsequent section, V- Tii§ Stable-'* 



^16 

and give a dose of tlie fever powder. Tlie corn wliicii 
is given should be either softened by steeping in boil- 
ing water, or be broken in a mill 

The lampas is said to be another impediment to 
feeding (See Lampas f) and is therefore removed 
Avith M red-hot iron. This operation is certainly per- 
formed much oftener than is necessary. 

2d. Weakness of the stomar.h or hoivels, — 
Horses that have acquired tiie vicious habit termed 
crib-biting, suffer great inconvenience from the w astc 
of saliva wlilch it occasions ; the stomach being in 
great measure deprived of tl.>is liquid^ performs ita 
functions imperfectly : hence arise Ihitulent colic or 
gripes, genera] emacaition and debility. The rem- 
edy commonly employed is a leathern strap, buckled 
tight round the neck, immediately beneath thejavr. 
This, however, is sehlom effectual. A better metJi- 
cd is to cover the edge of the manger, and every o- 
ther part he can lay hdd of, with sheep skins (thg 
wool side outward,) until the habit is destroyed. — 
There are other causes by wliich the energy of th<i 
stomach may be impaired. Among tlsese are exces- 
sive fatigue, bad f »od, defect in respiration or breath- 
ing foul air, taking too much food or water at once 
or at any imjjr 7per time, bots, fever ; in short the 
stomach is so important an organ in the ani«>jal sys- 
tem, ihat scarcely any part can be materially injured 
without aficcling it in some degree ; and whenever 
the stomach is hurt, the whole system seems to sym- 
pathise and partake of the injury. 

Wea!:ne«s of the stomack is sometimes very ea- 
sily cured. TJie powers of nature indeed are often 
capable of restoring its tone ; at others we find tiie 
disease extremely obstinate, resisting the most pow- 
erful medicines. This difference depends upon the 
variety in the causes by which the weakness is indu- 
ced. W'ien it arises from loading the stomacli with 
impit)per foud, that contains scarcely any nutrlmcut^ 



!3ir 

such as a straw, and wliere the liorse lias been fed m 
this way for a considerable time, the diet should be 
ii;radiiallv chauired to one more nutritive. Durins: 
the time we are niakmi^ this alteration, it is general- 
ly necessary to give one or two doses of hixative 
medicine, joined with aroinatics (See Laxatives ^ J 
to present inflammatory affection of the eyes, lungs, 
or heels, or, according to the more fashionable lan- 
guage of grooms, to present humours from breaking 
out. Should the appetite appear deficient, the cor- 
dial bad will be found of great service, given occa- 
sionally. When excessive fatigue is the cause of the 
weakness, which we often find after a hard days run 
witii the hounds, nothing is so effectual as tlie cordi- 
al bail, particularly in old horses : it soon gives them 
an appetite, and renders them fit for work again 
much sooner than they would otherwise be. Where 
a speedy effect is required, the ball may be mixed 
^vli\l a pint of good beer or ale. 

If a horse, after sweating from exercise or any o- 
ther cause, is allowed to drink freely of cold water, 
the stomach is suddenly debilitated, and the whole 
system is affected in consequence : hence arise fiatu- 
lentcolic, suppression of urine, sliiveriug, quick pulse 
and other symptoms of fever. (For the remedies con- 
sult the Index.) 

The stomach sometimes becomes weak gradually 
and without any apparent cause. This is first in- 
dicated by the appetite failing, which is soon follow- 
ed by general debility, emaciation, and an unhealthy' 
looking coat. The most effectal remedies in thi» 
case are the tonic balls and a nutritious diet ; corn 
should be given more frequently than usual, but ia 
small quantities ; and a little malt on these occa- 
sions is extremely useful. The stable should be 
well ventilated, but not cold ; regular exercise v,^ill 
also be very beneficial, and should never be omitted. 
Jt should be understood, however; that, although 

19 



2i8 

exercise teiids to qroniote strens;tli: if carried be- 
yond the aniraaFs power it becomes a cause of de- 
bility : it is liigbly necessary, therefore, when a horse 
is in a state of weskness, to take care that his ex- 
ercise is but moderate. 

Worms in the stomach and bowels are a frequent 
cause of leanness and debility in horses; and while 
they exist, every exertion to promte condition will 
be ineffectual. (See Worms. J a defect in the or- 
gans of respiration will also produce weakness and 
emaciation. 

If the blood be not duly supplied witli that vivify- 
ing principle, v/hich is derived from the air by breath- 
ing, a greater or less degree of deljility must be the 
consequence ; hence a want of tone is always observ- 
able in the stomach and bowels of broken winded 
horses, as well as a deficieney in the muscular power 
in general. The same evils will result from keeping 
a horse in too close a stable, where the air does not 
contain the usual proportion of this principle. 

3d. Imperfection in the liver or pancreas, or ob- 
struction in the tubes or ducts, bij ichich their re- 
spective juices are conveyed to the bowels, (See *1- 
natomy of Internal Organs.) The liver is not often 
diseased in the horse, unless it be from internal in- 
flammation. When the exterior surface of the bow- 
els or stoniacli is attacked by inflammation, it will 
spread, if not speedily checked by bleeding, §'c. to 
the surfiicc of the liver, and other internal parts ; and 
when horses die from tliis disease, which they often 
do from improper treatment, the liver is generally 
found inflamed or mortified throughout its whole sub- 
stance ; but this is an accute disease, and therefore not 
connected with the present subject. (See Inflamma- 
tion of the Liver.) It sometimes happens, hov/ever, 
that a horse becomes weak and lean, either from a 
deficiency or redundancy of bile. In th -> former case, 
digestion will be injperfect^ and the horse frequently 



a49 

costive ; the appetite will be batl, the animal lan- 
guid asid sluggish, and generally hidebound, the coat 
looking rough and unhealthy. The best remedy- in 
this case is to give small doses of calomel, soap, and 
aloes, are recommended in jaundice, so a,s to keep 
the bowels in a more open state ; or if the disease 
have existed some time, give in the first place a mer- 
curial purgative, and afterward the following alte- 
rative, 

Calom€l^ ^- - ' i scruple. 

Aloes . - - 1 dr. 

Cascarilla povvdered^ and ^ «> ^^, 

rhubarb, of each 5 

Ginger, _ - - 1 dr. 

Castile soap, - - 3 dr. . 

Birup enough to form a ball, to be given every morn- 
ing for live or six days, unless it occasions purging, 
in which case it is to be discontinued for two or 
three days. 

The horse's diet should be light and nutritious^ 
consisting of ground oats^ carrots, malt, &c. : regular 
exercise is of great use. In the spring or suTomcr, a 
run at grass is the best remedy. When there is too 
much bile formed, it occasions a loose state of the 
bow els, which causes the horse to become v»^eak and 
thin. This complaint depends upon increased action 
of the liver, which generally ceases in a short time 
without the aid of medicine. Should the purging con- 
tinue 60 as to reduce the animaVs strength, the folio w^- 
ing medicine may be given, and assisted by alight 
nourishing diet^ and very moderate exercise. 

Powdered columbo root, 2 dr. 

Cascarilla powdered, - 1 ^^^' 
Prepared natron^ ' ^ "^*' 

[HUJl, - - - 2 <^'^'* 

To be given every morning. 



±20 

Tlicrc are no external appearaiices by which a dis- 
eased state of the pancreas can he ascertained, though 
it is prohabie sometimes a cause of ill condition. 
There is reason to believe that want of condition de- 
pends in some cases upon an imperfect action of the 
lacteals^ or those delicate vessels which convey the 
chyle, or nutritious parts of the food, into the blood. 
All the internal surface of the bowels is covered with 
very minute oriUces, which are the mouths of the la - 
teals, and are supposed to be always open, to receive 
such parts of the digested food as are destined for the 
nourisiiment of the system. It is not improbable that 
these minute orifices may sometimes be obstructed, or 
tliat the lacteals may be deficient in energy. There- 
fore when a hcrse continues tljin and ill-conditioned, 
without any cause, this may be suspected ; and the 
success we have often raet with in such cases, by 
giving a mercurial purgative, joined with a moflerate 
stimulant or stomachic medicine, seems to justify the 
opinion. The following formula may be employed 
on this occasion :--- 



4 oz. 



Barbadoes aloes, 

ilhubarb, . . ^ d^^ 

Calomel, - - - 1 dr. 

CJinger, - . li dr. 

Oil of caraways, . J 6 drops. 

Castile soap, - - 2 dr. 

Sirrup enough to form a balK 

I should have observed before, that we sometimes 
meet with horses, particularly those of the blood 
kind, that have an almost habitual looseness or diar- 
rhoea ; and some that cannot bear even moderate 
work, or even drinking freely of water, without be- 
coming loose in the bowels, and consequentlv weak 
andf^Mt. Such horses are generally observed to 



2^L 

sweat much with the most moderate exercise, and 
sometimes when standing in tlie stable. This com- 
plaint is sometimes merely temporary, and is most 
likely to happen in the early part of spring, or about 
September and October ; at which periods some 
changes are generally taking place in the coat, by 
wliich the bowels, and often the whole system, are 
rendered irritable and weak. In this case the symp- 
toms generally disappear with the cause ; but as a 
horse may remain in this situation a considerable 
time, and be unfit for work, it is advisable to call in 
the assistance of medicine. The first medicine to be 
given is a stomachic laxative, and after that the tonic 
ball. The horse should be clothed moderately, and 
exposed as little as possi])le to a current of air : but 
the stable should be w ell ventilated, and his water 
at the summer temperature, that is, about 50 degrees 
by Farenheit's thermometer. His exercise ought 
not to exceed a walk : but he may be taken out twice 
a day if the weather be favourable. With respect to 
those horses that are habitually weak, or washy as it 
is termed, becoming loose and weak from mod- 
erate work, or other trifiing causes, there is no 
©reat chance of radical cure: but the animal will de- 
rive great benefit from medicine and care, and often 
be enabled to do his work with spirit, and without 
much inconvenience. The proprietor of such hors- 
es should always be provided witli the following cor 
dial, which should be given, not only when the loose 
ness and weakness actually are presej^t, but at any 
time when considerable exertion is required of him. 
If he be wanted for a journey, or a day's hunt, lei 
him have a ball a little before he sets off, and anoth- 
er when he returns. If the horse be very young if 
ma^^ be worth while to attempt a radical euro, by u 
long run at grass. Horses of this descripiion require' 
great att^^ntion from th6 groom : they should neve^ 



Ije exposed to the air wiiliout clothes, unless in the 
hot days of summer. Tlioir water should always be 
at summer temperature, and given in small quantities 
often. Their food should he easy of digestion, their 
oats and beaus given in a broken or bruised state, 
and their daily allowance should be divided into four 
or live feeds. Their hay should be of the best qual- 
lity : mow-burnt hay is particularly injurious. A 
b risk circulation should be kept up in the skin and 
extremities, by frequent wisping the body, and hand- 
rubbing the legs. Moderate exercise is necessary ; 
and the horse should alway be attended to the mo- 
ment he comes into the stable, either from work or 
exercise. (See next chapter.) 

STOMACHIC PURGATIVE. 



Barbadces aloes. 


3 dr. 


Rhubarb, 


- 2 dr. 


Ginger, - 


1 dr. 


Cascarilla, - 


- 2 dr. 


Oil of Camomile, 


10 drops 


Prepared natron, 


- 3 dr. 



Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 



TONIC BALI.* 

"Salt of steel, - - i oz, 

Columbo root, - 3 dr. 

Cascarilla bark, - • - 2 dr. 

Opium, - - 1 scru. 

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 

IRemarTc. — Arsenic is an excellent tonic, but musC 
be given with caution, and in small doses. 



CORDIAL SALL. 

Ceraway seeds, recently powdered, 2 dr. 
Wintes's hark, powdered^ - 3 dr. 

Prepared chalk, - . . g dr. 

Opium, - _ - di'. 

Oil of auise-seeds, - ^ 20 drops. 

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. 



Having given a short account of the diseases or 
imperfections which prevent a horse from acquiring 
condition, it remains for us to point out what kind of 
stable manage '>ent or groomins; is most conducive to 
it ; and as a good stable is the first thing to be atten- 
ded to, and is generally allowed to have considera- 
ble influence on the health and c^ndi^ion of horses, it 
will not, perhaps, be thought superfluous if we say a 
few words on this subject. 



The Stable, 

In the construction of a stable, there is perhaps no 
circumstance more deserving attention than that of 
ventilation, or of having contrivances for the ready 
admission of fresh air, and for the escape of that 
which has been rendered impure by breathing : and 
it is really extraordinary that so little attention should 
have been paid to so important a circumstance. 



124. 

Grooms in general make a point of closing every a- 
perture they can find ; and if at any time they are pre- 
vailed upon to open a window, it is commonly so 
small, and so inconveniently situate, as to be of but 
little service. Let any one for a moment consider 
how fowl an atmosphere must be produced, in a 
close stable in which several horses are kept, by the 
constant exhalation of unwholesome vapours from the 
litter, by the steams of perspiration from the skin, and 
by noxious airs from the lungs ; and he will not be. 
surprised at the long catalogue of diseases, to which 
this improper treatment must subject these useful an- 
imals. 

If a doubt remain in the mind of any one as to the 
impropriety of such close stables, let him enter one 
early in the morning, on its being first opened, and he 
will experience such a painful sensation in the eyes, 
and so violent a cough, as will afford him the most 
convincing proof of the noxious and stimulating na- 
ture of such an atmosphere ; yet such is the abstinacy 
and ignorance of grooms in general, that they cannot 
be prevailed upon to abandon this injurious practice. 
Even at this time, stables a,re generally built too low, 
and unprovided with effectual means of ventilation. 

A stable should be as lofty as it can be made con-" 
veniently, at least twelve feet ; the foul air will then 
circulate in the higher parts, and the animal will not 
be constantly breathing an unwholesome atmosphere, 
which he must do when the ceiling is scarcely higher 
.than his head, proper apertures must be also made 
in the ceiling, communicating with the atmosphere by 
square wooden tubes, so contrived as not to admit the 
rain into the stable; the foul air and other unwhole- 
some vapours will then readily pass off, while a proper 
quantity of fresh air may be admitted by means r-f 
windows. The next circumstance to be attended to 
is nearly connected with, and not less important than, 
ventilation } namely, the so constructing a stable a^ 



225 

to be able to regulate its temperance, or keep the ait' 
at any degree of heat that may be thou gist proper. It 
is generally allowed that a uniform tenjperature in a 
stable is very desirable ; and it is certain that many 
of the diseases of horses are caused by sudden chan- 
ges in this respect. Even slight variations of tem- 
perature^ if frequent, are injurious ; yet few stables 
are to be found where this inconvenience is effectu- 
ally guarded against. To accomplish this desirable 
"purpose, the windows should be in different sides, so 
tiiat when a cold wind blows from any point, it may 
be shut out, while fresh air is admitted by the oppo- 
site window. There should be several of the aper- 
tures we have described in the ceiling, that they may 
be occasionally shut either vrholly or partially, s6 
that, by means of these and the windows, the tempe- 
rature can at any season be easily regulated, accord- 
ing to the w eather, or state of the horse/s health, 
more accurately if a thermometer be kept — an instru- 
ment which appears to be a necessary appendage to 
a well conducted stable. Tf during the cold days of 
winter the contrivance v»e have proposed should be 
found insufficient to raise the temperature of the sta- 
ble to the desired point, the air may be easily warm- 
ed to any degree by means of stoves placed on the 
outside, with iron chimneys passing through the 
stable. 

Light is also a thing of much importance in the 
construction of a stable ; and for the purpose of ad- 
mitting it readily to every part, the windows should 
be large and properly placed. 

There is no doubt that the eyes of horses are often 
injured by dark stables; and when a horse is just 
taken from a dark situation, it is easy to perceive that 
light at iirst irritates tke eye and gives pain ; and 
^his is more remarkable when he is brought sudden- 
ly into the sunshine ; nor is it to be wondered at that 
so delicate an organ as the eye should suffer materi- 



ally ft'om tlie frequent repetition of this sudcleB 
change. 

Though a light stable is desirable, the sunshine 
should not be allowed to fall on the eye of a horse as 
he stands in his stall ; nor should the walls or ceil- 
ing be of a white colour, as under such circumstan- 
ces the eyes would be over stimulated, and rendered 
•weak ; and when it is coi^sidered how liable horses 
are to diseases of these organs, and how frequently 
they terminate in blindness, no one will think any 
circumstance tending to their preservation too trilling 
to be noticed. With regard to the best colour for the 
walls and ceiling, a stone or dove colour is perhaps 
to be preferred, and may be made by mixing a little 
lamp black, ivory black, or blue black with the com- 
mon white -wash. 

Th^ door should be larger and higlier than we usu- 
ally setit,for horses are very liable in passiag through 
a narrow or low one, to strike their hips or heads ; 
I have seen some troublesome accidents happen in 
this way ; besides even if tiie hair be struck oS:* a- 
bout the hips, it is thought a blemish, because it may 
not grow again 5 or if it do grow, tlie hair may be 
white. 

In fitting up the interior of a* stable, particular at- 
tention must be paid to the size of the stalls, w hich 
should not be less than six feet wide, and the sides 
sufficiently high to prevent any sort of contact or 
communication between the horses. I know it will 
be urged as an argument against this, that they are 
sociable animals, and thrive better with a companion 
than when alone ; this is certainly true : but, on the 
other hand, I am convinced from long observation that 
horses do not feel themselves in solitude, when thev 
are thus prevented fro n touching or playing with 
their neighbours ; besides, if we consider the nu- 
merous accidents that happeii from low stalls, how 
frequently they kick or bite^ and otherwise injure 



^S7 

eacli other, there can be no doubt I think of the gii 
perior advantage of high stalls. At this moment I 
have under my care a fine mare^ who from kicking- 
very high, got her hind leg over the stall, and has re- 
ceived a (lecp and extensive wound, which will pro- 
bably prove fatal. The stall should always be of 
considerable depth, that a horse may not, by draw- 
ing back, have the power of kicki:ag those in the ad- 
joining stalls. The method of separating horses by 
means of bails, or poles, suspended by chains, I 
think very injudicious ; the only recommendation it 
can possibly have is the little expense that attends it, 
and its allowing a great number of horses to stand in 
a stable. 1 am convinced, however, from what I ob- 
served during the time I had the honour of serving 
the royal dragoons, that, notwithstanding these re- 
commendations, they are really in the end more ex- 
pensive to government than stalls would be : scarcely 
a day passing without some accident happening from 
the bails : many dangerous, and some fatal wounds 
were occasioned by them. I once saw a horse break 
his spine, or back bone, by endeavouring to rise whila 
under the bail ; and several horses lost their sight 
from being bitten in the eye : but the most serious in- 
convenience perhaps attending bails is the impossi- 
bility almost of feeding every horse equally ; some 
horses feeding very slowly, and otliers so expediti- 
ously, as to devour, as well as their own, great part 
of their neighbour's allowance in a short time. To 
this may be added the facility with which contagious 
diseases are communicated, the disturbance a horse is 
liable to when fatigued, and the difficulty of lying 
dov-n quietly. 

The floor of the stall should be made of hard brick 
as a more equal surface is then formed tlian can be 
obtained by paving with pebbles. Very little decli- 
vity' is necessary to drain eff the urine : and as great 



inconvenience sometimes arises from sulTerino' aliorse 
to slaiul in n stall where the fall is considerable, cre- 
ating Qjjnecessary exertion in the muscles of the hind 
leg, and keeping the ligaments constan ly in a tense 
state, it hts heen recomme'jded to make the drain in 
tjie middle 'f the stall, whereby the hind and fore 
feet of Uie horse Qiiglit stand on a level. In whatev- 
er way, however, the stall i» made, it should be care- 
fuil^y cleaned once a day, that none of that putrescent 
matter may accumulate which generates ammonia, or 
that pnngetit vapour which is so abundantly found in 
close filthy stables. An iron rack is preferable to 
one of wood, being more easily kept clean, and fur- 
nishing no splinters; v/hich, where wooden racks 
are used, sometimes iigure the -outh. The mans;er 
mav be socoulrived, as to slide into the wall like 
atlrawer : and then while the groom is v>isping him, 
he wojiid have nothing to lay hold of with his mo rth, 
by wnich practice horses often becoaie crib-bijers. 
The heighth both of the rack and man2;er, should be 
such hi tiJ enable the horse to feed with t]m greatest 
ease; the former is sometimes made so hi^h, th^it the 
horse is obliged to exert the niuscles of his neck con- 
siderably in order to reach it ; and this has been so 
placed, under an idea of its having a tendency to Qiake 
him carry his head more gracefully ; it is more pro- 
bable, however, that the only eiFect of it is to make 
the horse uncomfortable v» bile feeding. It has indeed 
been lately recommended as the best plan, to place 
the racks on a a level with the manger, so that the 
horse ma) feed as he does in a state of nature ; but 
I have had sufficient trial of this plan to be convinc- 
ed of its being in every respect less convenient and 
economical than the common rack^ 



22d 
Feeding, Exercise, ard GroGniing. 

Tlicss are s«l>jecis of coiisklerable importance^ 
and require raore atleinion tlian is commonly paid 
to them, as the health and condition of horses de- 
pend greatly on their being properly managed. 

When a horse is in a state of nature, and nsio'^ 
only voluntary exercise, there cannot be a doub^. 
that the green food, which i\\(i bountiful Creator 
provides for him, is better calculated tlian any oth- 
er to keep him in perfect isealtli, and satisfy his 
wants ; but when lie is domesticated, and employed 
in tlie various labours for wliicb be is found so es- 
sentially useful, it is necessary to adapt the quati^ 
iy of Ills food to the nature of the work he has to 
perforoi. When therefore we undertake to get a 
horse into condition, it is necessary first to inquire 
for what kind of labour he is designed ; whether it 
be for iho. turf, the chace, or the road. A horse 
ivitliout doubt, provided he is in health, may have his 
condition and wind brought to tlie highest state of 
perfection it is capable of, merely by judicious man- 
agement in respect to feeding, exercise and groom- 
ing; and notv»'ithstanding the great mystery and se- 
crecy aliected by those who make a business of 
training race horses, I will venture to a^rm, that it 
is a very simple process, and easily to be accomplish- 
ed by any one, who will attentively consider the 
principles we shall lay down, and not suffer him- 
self to be influenced by an ignorant groom. It is a 
fact, not suf!iciently known perhaps, tliat ih^ strength 
of an animal, or any part of the body, may be in- 
creased to a considerable degree, by means of exer- 
cise properly conducted ; and as breathing is affect- 
ed by muscular exertion, it follows that the strength 
or perfection of this function, or as it is commonly 
termed f^ood windj must depend on the strength of 
i^iiose m^iscles bj which breathing is performed ; and 

SO 



230 

by keeping in view tliis single principle, we shall do 
more for the improvement of a horse's wind, than we 
could by learning all the mysteries of training. In or- 
der to have a clear idea of the method of getting a 
horse into hiff;h condition and good wind, let us sup- 
pose him just taken from grass ; it being understood 
that every horse, who works hard during the other 
parts of the year, will in summer be allowed this ne- 
cessary relaxation ; without -which the feet, as well 
as the sinews, joints, ligaments, §*c. of the limbs, 
will be liable to suffer materially : and not unfre- 
quently the general health of the animal, is injured by 
such privation. But should any one be so situate as 
to be unable to procure this renovating indulgence for 
his horse, he must endeavour to substitute for it a 
large airy stable, where the animal may be turned 
loose. If he can not get fresh vegetable food, such as 
lucerne, vetches, (tares,) clover, 8fc. he will find car- 
rots a useful succedaneum during this time of rest. 
The horse should be allowed to drink frequently : 
and if he be not immoderate, he may be suffered to 
drink as often and as much as he pleases. He should 
be fed sparingly Avith oats, and on no account be al- 
lowed beans or any thing of the kind. The best 
diet of the dry kind is, ])erhaps, a mixture of oats, 
chopped hay, and bran ; to be given alternately with 
green food; or if a sufficient quantity of green food 
can be procured, very little dry meat will be necessa- 
ry. This treatment will serve in some measure as a 
substitute for a run at grass, provided the stable be 
large and airy. The light also should be freely ad- 
mitted ; and if a convenient court be adjoining to the 
stables, the horse may be suffered to run in and out at 
jdeasure ; but if there be nothing but the stable for 
him to run in, it will be proper to walk him out qui- 
etly every morning and evening, a.llowing Jiim to 
drink freely in a running stream or river; the feet, 
during this time, should be l:ept cool and moist, for 



S31 

which purpose they may be stopped daily with a mix 
ture of soft clay and cow-dung. WJien a horse is 
taken from grass, or from the situation and treatment 
we liave just described, in order to be got into a con- 
dition for racing, hunting, or the road, the first object 
of attention is to bring about the necessary change in 
his food, and other aircumstances, as gradually and 
with as little inconvenience to the animal as possible. 
If he be taken from grass, let })im be put at first into 
a large airy stable, and suffered to exercise himself in 
it. Let him drink frequently ; and, instead of depri- 
ving him suddenly of his green food, allow him at 
first some carrots, with bran, and a moderate quantity 
of oats. He should be walked out once a day at least. 
His allowance of oats should be gradually increased 
and that of bran and carrots in like macner diminish- 
ed, until the latter is wholly discontinued. If he be 
a large drinker, he should be allowed but a moderate 
quantity at once ; but at all times, and in almost all 
circumstances, it is proper to allow a horse water 
four times a day ; which, instead ef oppyessi-ig i.i» 
stomach, or injuring his wind, will facilitate diges- 
tion, and materially conduce to the preservation of 
health, and the improvement of condition. I am a- 
ware of the prejudice that exists against tliis prac- 
tice — that it is supposed to give a horse a large belly, 
and render him unlit furgalloping any length of time, 
without endangering his wind. I am convinced how- 
ever, not only by my own experience, but by that of 
some experienced sportsmen also, that so far from in- 
juring a horse in any one respect, it is extremely ben- 
eficial ; and that, when a horse is allowed to drink 
four or five times a day, he is not inclined to drink 
much, and often does not drink so much in the twen- 
four hours, as one that is allowed to drink only.twice 
a day as much as he pleases. As the horses allow^ 
ance of oats is increased, so should his exercise be ; 
aad if this be properly managed, there will be no 



i 



2S2 

absolute neccs.-itj for bleeding or medicine. If 1 
necessary, liowevcr, to observe tlie horse carefully, 
durin;; the tisne we are increasing his allowance, of 
oats, and diminishing that of carrots and bran ; and 
if he appear dnll, or have a cough, however trifling, 
it indicates an inHammatory disposition of the body^ 
and points out the propriety of moderate bleeding, or 
a laxative. But under proper management I do not 
think such symptoms would ever take place, though 
they almost always do wlien a horse is clianged from 
grass to a close stable and dry food too suddenly; 
and in such cases both bleeding and purging are in- 
dispensably requisite to prevent the occurrence of 
very serious diseases. It is from this circumstance^ 
perhaps, that tlie absurd custom of giving exactly 
three strong doses of physic, as a necessary prepara- 
tive, took its origin. When a horse has been taken 
from grass about a week, I think it advisable to givcj 
Lim a very mild purgative, such as No. 1. (See Phy- 
sic ;) not that I am convinced of its being absolutely 
necessary, but because it cannot do any harm ; and 
if the horse have been fed too liberally, or not exer- 
cised suiSciently— or should the stomach and bowels 
be out of order, or have any worms in them — a mild 
purgative will be of great service. It is on this 
ground that I always recommend two or three doses 
of mild physic, during the time a horse is getting into 
condition ; but I have seen so many instances of the 
injurious eiTects of the strong physic recommended ia 
many books cf farriery, and commonly given by 
grooms, that 1 think it necessary to advise the reader 
never to suITer his groom or smith to prepare or pre- 
scribe a dose of purging medicine. That such strong 
doses are often given without any immediate bad ef- 
fect, is no proof of their innocence, still less of their 
utility. I can truly assert, that I have seen many 
horses quickly destroyed by strong physic, and p.. 



^1> J 



great number that have never peifeciiy recovered 
from the debility it occasions.* 

During the lirst week of the iiorse's being taken 
into a stable^ walking exercise is most proper, but 
after this it may be gradually increased to a trot, or 
canter : and if the exercise occasion any desiree of 

t/ c 

perspiration, lie should be carefully cleaned, and oth- 
erwise attended to. as soon as he gets into the stable. 
By thus gradually bringing a Iiorse from a state of 
nature, that is, from the o])en air and green food, to 
a comfortable stable and dry grain, he will be in lit- 
tle danger of those troublesome diseases, which are 
often the consequence of sudden changes, and of a 
diiferent kind of management ; and by duly propor- 
tioning his exercise to the nutriment ha receives, and 
by gradually bringing the muscular system to that de- 
gree ofexertionfor wiiich the animal is wanted, there 
is no doubt that his wind, strength, activity and gen- 
eral condition, will be brought to the higliest state of 
perfection it is capable of attaining. In describing 
the general management of horses in the stable, we 
think it necessary to be very particular, as there are 
many apparently triding circumstances which have 
considerable in^uence on the horse's healthy though 
generally lilLle attended to. 

* A valuable blood colt was uttacked with colic, wliich appeared to be of 
the flatulent kind, and thoug'h violent, not dang-erous. The usual reme- 
dies were ineffectually employed ; and it was fo>md, in attemptiuj? to give 
a clyster, that liie internal coat ofthe gut was so loose and so enlarsicd, that 
there was no possibility of injecting it . the colt died about sixteen hours 
after the attacic. On examining the body afier deadi, all the bowels were 
found nearly healthy, except the rectum, or last gut, near its termination 
in which the inner coat M'as so loose and large, that the cavity was nearly 
obliterated, and scarcely any jiassage left for the excrement. The internal 
sensible coat ofthe stomach appeared also in a diseased state, being very 
lender, and easily separated; but it was not inflamed. About a week af- 
ter, I was actidently informed, that the man who had the care of this colt, 
and wasabovit to trani him fen- the turf, had given him three doses of phys- 
ic • and that the " last Iiad operated so well, that he thought the colt would 
never have ceased purging." This was nearly the mau's expression, which 
he had communicated, iii the way of conversation, to a groom, before the 
colt was taken ill. 

20^ 



Horses employed iia hunting, mail, or stage-coach 
horses, in shori:, all that are obliged to undergo great 
and rapid exertion^ at certain periods, require a dif 
fernnt treatment from such as work more moderately. 
The former have occasion for lying down as much as 
possible, that the muscles may the more readily re 
cruit their strength. But tlie latter do not require so 
mucii rest in a recumbent state, and suiFer no incon^ 
venience from standing during the day ; therefore 
their litter should be removed every morning, and 
shook up in the open air. The advantages of this 
plan are considerable, though it may be thought by 
knowing grooms an unnecessary trouble. The feet 
will be thus kept cool ; and the hoof will not be so 
disposed, as it commonly is, to contract and shrink ; 
for straw being a bad conductor of heat, causes tlie 
feet to become too hot ; in w^hich state the horny mat- 
ter has always a tendency to contract : hence arises 
sand-cracks, thrushes, §'c. Unless a horse has thin 
flat soles, it is always proper to stop the feet, as it is 
termed, with a mixture of cow-dung, beaten into a 
smooth mass w ith a little fine clay, and a small pro- 
portion of pot-ash. The feet should be examined 
daily, and if the soles should appear to be softened 
too much, that is, if the horn bends or gives way in 
the least, under tha thumb, by the strongest pressure 
v^Q. c;ai makes, the stopping must be discontinued. 

Horses that have been accustomed to stand on lit- 
ter during the day, sometimes feel a difficulty in, or 
reluctance to staling, when they are deprived of it. 
In such cases, a little straw should be thrown under 
the belly, so as to preveiit the urine from splashing 
about their legs. 

The best food for horses that w ork hard is oats and 
hay, with a moderate quantity of beans. The latter, 
however, should not be allowed, unless the horse's 
ivork be considerable, as under moderate exertion 
they dispose the system to inflammatory complaints^ 



^^5 

kiich as couglis, inflamed eyes, &c. I am convinced 
that liorses whose labour i^ severe are often injured 
hy being stinted in water, particularly when they 
are allowed a large quantity of food. It is a com- 
mon practice with waggoners, when their horses come 
in from a long and fatigueing journey, their strength 
almost exhausted by long continued exertion and 
sweating, to offer them immediately an unlimited 
quantity of food, and very little (most commonly not 
a drop) of water. Under such circumstances, the 
stomach is not able to digest the food that is taken 
in ; and I firmly believe that the staggers are often the 
consequence of such management. When a horse 
comes in from a long journey, he should always be 
allowed a small quantity of v/ater before he is fed ; 
and if he be allowed a little immediately after feed- 
ing, it is more likely to promote digestion, and prove 
beneficial, than to injure the animal. It is certainly 
a good plan, to give horses a moderate quantity of 
water just before the end of their journey ; and I am 
satisfied that, by allowing them to sip a little water 
several times during a long journey, particularly in 
warm weather, they are refreshed and invigorated, 
but never injured. When beans are given to a Itorse 
they should always be broken ; and it is probable 
that oats would be more nutritious in that state. A 
horse that works moderately does not require more 
than a peck of good oats, paid about twelve or four- 
teen pounds of hay in the twenty-four hours : but 
large draught horses require a greater quantity both 
of oats and hay. 

Horses employed in hunting, or for expeditious 
travelling, require great attention, as to grooming, 
feeding, ^'c. Their allowance of hay should not ex- 
ceed twelve pounds in the twenty-four hours ; and it 
should be divided into three feeds — four pounds in 
the morning, two at noon, and the remainder at night. 
If a peck of oats be allowed for the same period; it 



^36 

sliouid also be divided into at least three feeds, giving 
"Water before each. When a hirger allowance of grain 
is required, which must be the case with hunters, 
post horses, §*c. either the quantity of oats may be 
increased, or a certain proportion of beans may be 
added : but on no occas,ion should the quantity of hay 
be increased for horses of this description. I think 
there would be no danger, and perhaps great advan- 
tage, in allowing horses that work hard, either in 
hunting, posting, or in mail or stage-coaches, an un- 
limited quantity of good oats, with a moderate pro- 
portion of beans, provided it be given at several times, 
so thatthey may not load their stomachs, and injure 
the digestive power. If any other food be given with 
the oats and beans, which however appears needless 
it should consist of clover hay, cut like chafT, and a 
small quantity of fresh bran : the former, if not cut 
too short, will make iiini masticate his food more per- 
fectly, and cause it to be digested more easily : but 
when a liorse has any kind of cough, or is imperfect 
in his wind, neither cut hay, chaff, nor bran, should 
be given, as they are apt to irritate the throat, and 
excite coughing ; and it is necessary also, in this 
case to sift the oats, and shake the hay, so as to free 
them from dust, as this will often occasion a violent 
cough for a time, and aggravate the original com- 
plaint. This will be more effectual, if the oats and 
hay be slightly moistened with water. Horses of 
this description being generally greedy of water, and 
so voracious as to devour their litter if kept from hay, 
it is advisable to muzzle them i.nmediately after feed- 
ing. Some advantage also will be derived from giv- 
ing them a moderate quantity of carrots now and 
then, particularly when their work happens to be but 
moderate, this vegitable being nutritious and easy of 
digestion. — Much has been said by writers on farrie- 
ry respecting the kind of water that is most whole- 
some for horses. The greater part seem to prefer 



>on(l-'^^ater^ v.li«3re the bottom h composed of clay 
Mod chalk. It appears to mc, that the most desira- 
hie kfinl of water is that vvliich horses like best, pro- 
vidiid it l>e not too colli ; and I think it probable^ 
tluit the IH effect?, that have sometimes been produ- 
ced by dHnkhis; certain kinds of water^ have not been 
occasioned by foreign or impure matters contained 
in it^ bnt merely by its coldness; and I have found 
it the best plan to give clear river water in summer, 
and well water in winter ; the latter being warmer 
la cold weather than water exposed to the air, and 
colder in summer. Some old author (I think Dr. 
Bracken) lias expressed a suspicion tiiat the hard- 
ness^ as it is termed, in well water, might occasion 
the stone or gravel. This is a disease, hovv^ever^ 
that scarcely ever happens to horses, though we some- 
times meet v/ith stones of a larsie size in the bowels 



i 



formed gradually by the earthly matter taken in v/ith 
the food : and if they were subject to calculous dis- 
eases like men, it is almost impossible that the very 
small quantity of stony matter contained in hard water 
could have any share iu their formation, being quite 
of a different nature from that found in the human 
bladder. It seems to be generally known, that 
brckish water, (that is water impregnated with saline 
matter, which is commonly met with near the sea) 
is rather injurious to horses, causing a rough dry coat 
and loss of condition. This, perhaps, is not occa- 
sioned by any direct operation of the saline matter 
which such water contains, but by the horse not 
drinking a sulficient quantity, on account of its un- 
pleasant taste, for the purpose of digestion. 

It is by no means advisable to accustom horses to 
warm water in winter, or to let tlie water stand ma- 
ny hours in a warm stable, so as to become nearly as 
warm as the air of the stable ; as it makes the horse 
liable to the flatulent colic or gripes^ whenever he hap- 
pens to drink cold water. 



S38 

la sictness, and during the operation of pliysic. 
ivhen it is absolutely necessary to allow wann vv a 
ter, it should never be discontinued suddenly : the 
Change should be brought about gradually as possible. 
It is not a good practice to give hor,es nitre and oth- 
er medicines in their water or fool, bemuse the dose 
cannot be accurately ascertained in this way ; and 
the water instead of promoting digestion, often has a 
contrary effect, exciting nausea^ and weakening the 
stoa^ach. It appears to nie a better plan to water 
horses during their exercise, at a pond or runnin^ 
stream, than in the stable, except it is in winier ; and 
even then it would be advisable, were it not for the 
inconvenience th^^y are liable to suffer from standing 
in the water while drinking: but the common prac- 
tice of galloping them immediately after is highly im- 
pro[)er. 

It has been asserted by some, that horses work 
better, and tnorfe effectually preserve their wind and 
condition, when allowed only a small quantity of wa- 
ter, or, as they express it, ^- it matters not how lit- 
tie he drinks, provided he feeds heartily/^ This 
opinion, like many others, has arisen from the foolish 
and mischevious practice of forming general rules 
upon a few facts, or a very limited experience ; and 
too often, I fear, from examining those facts through 
the medium of prejudice. It must be granted, that 
we sometimes sneet with horses that become loose in 
tlieir bowels, and fall off in condition, sweating vio- 
lently, and appearing fatigued from moderate exer- 
cise, if allowed to drink even two pails (five or six 
gallons) in the twenty-four hours ; particularly when 
they are employed now and then in hunting, or any 
kind of violent exercise ; but this is to be attributed 
to a weakness of constitution not often met with in hor- 
ses, and points out to us the necessity of observing a 
horse attentively when we first undertake the man- 
;^gement of him, in order to ascertain what quantity 



^39 

of water is most conducive to the preservation of hi© 
health and condition ; and if we find a horse shiver- 
ing, and his coat staring immediately after drinking 
freely, it is not to be hastily concluded, that he is to 
he allowed only a small quantity of water daily. In 
such a case, a very moderate quantity should be giv- 
en at once, and the horse should be exercised imme- 
diately after, in which way he will generally be soon 
brought to drink a proper quantity in the course of the 
day, without inconvenience. The best time for exer- 
cising horses is early in the morning, as soon as the 
stable is opened : during which time the stable-doors 
should be kept open, and the foul litter throv/n out. 
As horses that work moderately, do not require a bed 
in the day time, it will be advisable in such case to 
remove all the litter from the stall, and expose it to 
the air; spreading only a small quantity at the back 
part, to prevent the horse from splashing his legs in 
staling. It will perhaps be thought unnecessary to 
exercise horses that work, particularly such as are 
employed in hunting or expeditious travelling: I 
think, however, they are always the better for it, pro- 
vided it be done with prudence. It certainly is not 
proper to take out a horse for exercise, that is design- 
ed for hunting the same day ; but in the intermedi- 
ate days it should never be omitted; and if a horse's 
work be moderate, such as ten or twelve miles a day, 
a little exercise in the morning will enable him to per- 
form it better. Horses of a full habit, or such as are 
subject to humours (See Humours^) are greatly bene- 
fited by exercise, which on such occasions may be car- 
ried so far as to produce sweating. I5ut great cai^e 
is then necessary, : they should be walked about for 
some time, that they may cool gradually ; and as 
soon as they return to the stable, they should be wxll 
wispcd, and their legs hand-rubbed. Swelling of 
the legs, grease, inflajned eyes, and other troubie- 
sora& complaiatjy will be thus more- elTectuaJl^ pre^. 



MO 

T^ntedt than by bleeding now and tiien : wliicli lliougli 
it prevents temporary relief, will gradually increase 
the disposition to disease. The exercise which a 
horse enjoys, when kept loose in a large stall, is par- 
ticularly bcnelicial, and should always be allowed 
when the stable is sufficiently large to admit of it, in- 
stead of being kept constantly in one position, his 
head tied to the manger, and his fore legs generally 
Jiigher ihn.n his hind legs : he can then turn himself 
about, and enjoy comparatively a state of liberty. 

In summer, or whenever the weather is temperate, 
jiorses should be cleaned in the open air, when they 
return sweating from work or exercise; for if put im- 
mediately into a warm stable, they often continue to 
perspire so long, as to suffer some injury from it. The 
common practice, however, of washing the legs with 
cold water, should never be allowed, unless the horse 
be exercised, or have his legs well rubbed immedi- 
ately after. It is super^uous, perhaps, to point out 
the impropriety and danger of plunging a horse into 
a river while sweating from severe exercise, a prac- 
tice commonly adopted by proprietors of post and 
stage-coach horses ; that It is often done with impu- 
nity must be granted ; but it is probable, that many 
of them suffer fmm the treatment, though the ill effect 
is not often immediately observed. - 

When a horse returns from exercise or work, his 
feet should be carefully picked out and washed : and 

* It appears, fi-om the experlmcv.ts of Dr Came, tiiatwhen t)ie iieat of 
tlie slcln is ubovc the natural des^rec, the application of cold water is hig-hly 
refreshing an-l invi.i^-orating' ; but when the heat of the system has been in 
some nieasurv- exhausted by continued exercise and perspiration, it will 
generallv produce considerable debility ; and in the hunrian body the most 
diuip^eroiis consequences iiave ensued from it. The same obsei*\-ation ap-- 
plies to ca^d wjiter taken int(j the stomach, whicli on such an occasion ht« 
been known to cawse sudden death. It is probable, therefore, that many 
of the diseases of these poor animals arise from the debility wiiich this 
treatnent occasions ; and perhaps the mischi«f would be greater, were it 
not that the river or pond is ger,erally at a little distance from the st.ihkv 
3o that they get some exercise immediately after their emersicr;, an;i that 
the. sUble is gx;neraily very warm. 



Ml 

if the hoof be dry and brittle^ feeling liot^ and ap 
pearing contracted, a mixture of covv-diing and sofo. 
clay should be applied to the soles. The horse's 
Heels also require attention ; and if any small ulcer 
or crack, as it is termed, be observed, or if they be 
tender, swollen, or smell offensively, the proper rem- 
edies should be immediately applied. These things 
however, very rarely happen, when the groom does 
his duij. It should be remembered, that when a 
liorse is changing his coat, that is^ about the latlei' 
end of September, and beginning of Octo])er, he i^ 
more susceptible of cold than at any other time: and 
as the coat then falls o^ so readily, the curry-comb 
should be laid aside, and the horse exposed as little 
as possible to cold or rain. Moderately warm cloath- 
ing, and frequent hand rubbing to the legs, will bo 
found highly useful at tliis time. " When these pre- 
cautions are neglected, horses often become weak 
and unfit for much work, sweating profusely from 
moderate exercise, and sometimes purging: trouble- 
some cough and staring coat generally accompany 
these symptoms. The common remedies on this oc- 
casion are bleeding, or strcmg purgatives, which are 
sure to increase the debility ; nov are antimonials, ou 
medicines that act upon the skin, proper to be given. 
The most eifectual medicines are those of the tonic 
kind, vvitfi moderate stimulants. (See IVhite^si Ve- 
ferinary Materia Medica,) and when the bowels are 
loose, a small proportion of opium. These, howev- 
er will avail little, unless assisted by due attention to 
grooming. Though .* e have so strongly recommen- 
ded ventilation in stables, it must not be inferred 
that a cold stable is desirable : horses seem to th river 
most in one that is moderately warm. I have known 
old horses, that could not be kept m condition in a 
cold stable, even upon tlie highest feed, do well w lieu 
removed to a warn^er one : tliis, however^ is the ef- 

^4 



feet of habit ; and it is probable, that if a horse were 
accustomed, from the time he is first taken up, to a 
cold stable, he would never require any other : but 
•when from liis youth lie has been kept in hot sta- 
])les, his body constantly clothed, and his stomach 
frequently stimulated by cordials, it cannot be sup- 
posed that he is able to endure cold. It is necessa- 
ry therefore on purchasing a horse, to discover in 
what manner he has been kept, and whether he have 
been accustomed to any particular management; for 
instance, the custom of giving cordials to horses, after 
a hard day's hunt, is often rendered necessary by the 
practice of keeping them without food or water on. the 
morning they are so employed. In describing the 
peculiarities, in the structure and economy of the hor- 
se's stomach, we have observed, that this organ is re- 
markably small, requiring to be supplied frequently 
with food. When a hunter then goes out with an 
empty stomach, and is perhaps kept out eight or tea 
hours v/ithout feeding, generally galloping great part 
of the time, the stomach is so exhausted on his re- 
turn, that he has scarcely any appetite, and refuses 
his food, until the stomach is roused by a strong cor- 
dial, a habit is thus induced, and cordials after a time 
become as necessary to a horse accustomed to it, as 
spirit to a dram drinker. 

Yet there surely can be no danger in giving a mod- 
erate quantity of oats and water very early in the 
morning, previous to hunting. If he have to walk 
four or five miles to cover, there can be no danger of 
his stomach being oppressed by tlie time he arrives, 
not a doubt of his performing bettei' than he would 
otherwise have don^c?. 



Of the Ige of a Iforse. 

The age of aiiorse may be discovered by certain 
marks in the front teeth of the lower jaw and the 
tushes, until the eighth year, about which time they 
are generally worn out. An experienced person 
can, however, after this period, judge of the age, 
with some degree of accuracy, by tlie countenance 
and general appearance of the animal, as well as by 
the length of the teeth, and form of tlie tushes. 

Between the second and tiiird year, a colt begins 
to change his sucking teeili, as they are termed, for 
others of a larger size, and of a diiferent form and co- 
lour. The sucking teeth, are small, of a delicate 
white colour, some of them perfectly smooth on the 
upper surface ; others have a small narrow cavity on 
that surface, but very unlike those marks of the per- 
manent teeth^hy which we judge of the age. The 
number of teeth in the front of the mouth are twelve, 
six in the lower and six in the upper jaw. (We 
take no notice of the molares, or grinders, as they 
are not concerned with this subject.) When a colt 
is three years old, w^e may observe that the four front 
sucking teeth are lost, and that, instead of them four 
others ha^ e sprung up, of a very diife^nt appear •- 
ance, being larger, of a darker colour, and having a 
considerable cavity on the upper surface^ and a small 
dark coloured groove in front : these are termed hor- 
-ee^s or permanent teeth. Between the third and 
fourth year, the four teeth next these are lost, and re- 
placed, in the w ay w^e have just described, by horse's 
teeth : so that when a colt has completed his fourth 
year, there are eight horse's iQtih observable, and 
only four colt's teeth, one at each extremity, or cor- 
ner, as it is termed. About the middle of the fifth 
year, these also fall out, and are succeeded by horse's 
teeth. The corner teeth of the horse, particularly of 



^44 

the under jaw, are different from tlie rest^ being small- 
er and of a shell like appearance ; iheir cavities are 
chiefly within, the upper surface being a mere edge : 
but about the end of the fifth year, they are larger and 
more like the otlier teeth. It is generally between 
the fourth and fifth yeac that the tushes make their 
appearance, though sometimes earlier. — The tushes 
are four in number, and situate about an inch from the 
corner teeth : at first they are small, terminate in a 
sharp point, are rather convex on their external sur- 
face, but withinhav6 two concavities, or grooves se; a^. 
rated by a ridge. These as well as the teeth, are 
gradually undergoing an alteration in their form, be- 
coming longer, and losing the- concavities on the inter- 
tivil surface. About the seventh year the concavity is 
considerably diminished, and in old horses the sur- 
face becomes convex, and the tush acquires a round 
form, and the extremity, instead of being sharp, is 
quite blunt, as if the point had been broken off, and 
the new surface afterward polished. We must now 
l^eturn to the teeth, the appearances of vv hich we have 
described, as far as the completion of the fifth year of 
a horse's age. After this period we judge of the age 
by the size of those cavities which we have described 
on the upper surface of the tooth : for the friction to 
whicli that surface is almost constantly exposed gra- 
dually V, ears it dovrn, and vi length the cavity oi' 
mark is totally obliterated. The marks in the up- 
])er teeth most commonly remain until the twelfth 
year, sometimes longer, but those in the under teeth 
lire worn out about the end of the eighth year; wc 
fthall therefore confine our description now to the un- 
der jaw. 

As the two front teeth are the first that make their 
appearance, it is obvious that their marks will be lost 
sooner thaii those of the other teeth : and if we exam- 
ine the mouth of the horse that has just completed \m 



^45 

fifth year, we shall find tliatthey arc nearly and some- 
times quite worn out; those in the adjoining teeth 
are ahout half their original size, while the marks of 
the corner or end teeth are perfect. At the end of the 
sixth year, the only cavities ohservahle are in the 
corner teeth, and these are about half their original 
size ; the tooth has at this period lost the shell-like 
appearance we have before described, and is not dif- 
ferent from the other teeth, except in having a mark 
or ca^vity on its upper surface. At the end of the 
seventh year the marks of the corner teeth are also 
obliterated, and then the horse is said to be aged. We 
often fmd, Iiowever, that the marks of the corner teeth 
are not totally effaced at this period : a small dark 
coloured spot may be observed in most horses until 
about the end of the eighth year. From this period 
w^e have no criterion by which the age may be ascer- 
tained, but it is said that the marks of the upper teeth 
will enable us to judge of the age until the thirteenth 
year : the marks c?f the front teeth being worn out 
when he becomes eight years old, those of the adjoin- 
ing teeth at ten, and the corner teeth at twelve : but 
I cannot say how far these marks cau. be dependef^ 



On the Management of a Morse chtring a 
Jouvnev. 

Previous to setting out on a journey, every precaa- 
tion should be employed to bring a horse into a per- 
fect state of health as possible, as v/e thereby avoid 
much trouble and inconvenience. Should he be at 
all subject to grease or swelling of the legs— a do^e 



246 

of physic is to be recommended, taking care to pre- 
serve the heels clean, and to keep up a brisk circula- 
tion in the legs by frequent hand-rubbing. Should the 
feet of the horse be tender, it is necessary to inquire into 
the cause of that tenderness : if it arise from corns, 
let the directions be followed that are given under 
that head; if it proceed from flat and thin soles, ap- 
ply tar to them, and let the horse stand upon a flat 
surface, without shoes, by whicli means they will be 
vender thicker and more firm ; and when he is rode 
let the concave shoe be made use of. When thrush- 
es or rottenness of the frog are the cause of the ten- 
derness, cut away the diseased parts, apply tar with 
a pledget of tov/, and upon this place the artificial 
frog— the natural frog will in consequence soon be- 
come firm and solid, and the tenderness will be in 
great measure removed; if the thrushes be occasion- 
ed by a contraction of the heels, which is frequently 
the case, it will then be necessary to rasp the quar- 
ters moderately ; and should they appear to be too 
strong, wanting a proper degree of elasticity, keep 
the hoof constantly moist. Morses that travel during 
tiie winter are very liable to have their heels inflamed 
and cracked, as it is termed, unless great attention 
is paid to them in the stable. In cases where the 
heels are already thus afl'ected, they should be wash- 
ed with moderately warm water as soon as the horse 
gets in, and afterward carefully wiped dry with a 
soft cloth ; if much inflamed, the astringent lotion is 
to be applied : and if there be any ulcers or cracks, 
use the astringent ointment, and let the alterative 
powder No. 2. be given occasionally. When a hor- 
se's wind appears to be imperfect, he should not be 
allowed to fill himself with hay or water, and must be 
prevented from eating his litter, which horses of this 
description are generally inclined to do, particalarly 
when stinted in hay ; in this case costiveness some- 



m^7' 

limes occurs, which always increases the complaint. 
To remedy this, let a clyster and a few hran mashes 
be given. Too high feeding is also very prejudicial 
in these complaints, as any thing which tends to cre- 
ate a p'ethora, and determine too much blo-d to the 
lungs, is sure to aggravate the disease. To a horse 
that purges or scours in travelling, and appears faint, 
sweating much with moderate exercise, give the cor- 
dial ball, the efficacy of which is sometimes increas- 
ed by being mixed with a pint of ale or strong beer ; 
if the complaint do not give way to this treatment, 
let the astringent ball be given. 

As soon as the horse comes into the stable, let his 
feet be well cleaned, and all dirt or gravel carefully 
removed. It is a very common practice with ostlers, 
even in winter, to tie the horse up in the yard, that he 
may undergo the ceremony of having his heels wash- 
ed with cold water. This should never be permit- 
ted during the Avinter, as many bad consequences may 
arise from it. During hot weather, when the roads 
are dry and dusty, allow a horse to drink a small 
quantity of v/ater now and then, while on the road ; 
this not only refreshes him considerably, but has the 
useful e^ect of cooling and moistening his hoofs, as 
he will generally be made to stand in the water while 
drinking, nor is there the least danger to be appre- 
hended from it, unless he is rode very hard immedi- 
ately before or after. In v>^inter he should never be 
taken into the water if it can be avoided conven- 
iently. 

Should the horse appear dull and lose his ap- 
petite, let him be bled moderately, and take a dose 
of nitre with a bran mash ; this, with a little rest, 
will * soon recover him. It is a common practice, 
when this happens, to give cordials, which are very 
improper, and often do much injury to the animal, by 
bringing ou a fever. Some horses are particularly 



MS 

subject to the flatulent colic or gripes ; this is often 
the case with crib-biters^ on such occasions it is advi- 
sable to be always provided with a reraed j, and as a 
ball is the most convenient form^ I have given a re- 
ceij)e for the purpose. (See Flaiident Colic or 
Gripes.) A suppression of urine^ or great diflficulty 
and pain in staling, is an accident that sometimes oc- 
curs in travelling ; end in such cases a diuretic ball 
is commonly given, which, tliough sometimes suc- 
cessful, has often done miscliief. The most effectu- 
al way of relieving the horse is by throwing up a 
clyster, and bleeding moderately : should tliere be 
no appearance of inflammation in the kidneys, a dose 
of nitre may also be given. Tlie common practice 
of loading a horse with clotlies, and keeping him in 
a close warm stable, if he happen to take cold during 
a journey, is certainly improper, since he is liable to 
be frequently exposed to wet and cold in travelling. 
It is a well known fact, that animals are not hurt by 
being kept in any uniform temperature, whether it be 
hot or cold ; and tliat their diseases more commonly 
arise from sudden changes, or frequent variation of 
temperature. 

When a horse becomes suddenly lame in travel- 
ling, let the feet be carefully examined. Should the 
lameness be occasioned l)y a wound from a nail or 
flint, apply tincture of myrrh or friars' balsam, iiav- 
jng previously removed all tlirt or gravel from it; 
and if the wound have been inflicted by a nail, let it 
be carefully opened to the bottom with a small draw- 
ing knife, and proper means used io prevent dirt from 
getting to it. 



240 

CORDIAL BALLS, 
No. Ir 

Cummiii seeds^ 

Aunise seeds, and ^ 4 oz 

Caraway seeds^ of each 

Ginger, - * S o2. 

Treacle enougli to make it of a proper consis- 
tence for balls. The dose about two ounces. 

No. 2. 

Anise seeds, -^ <» 

Caraway seeds, ^ 4 a7 

Sweet fennel seeds, and t 

Liquorice powder, of each ^ 
Ginger and Cassia, of each 1§ oz, 

Honey enough to form them into a ma$9* 
The dose about two ounces. 

No. 3. 

Cummin seeds, Y 

Coriander seeds, and > 4 oz. 

Caraway seeds, of each J 
Grains of paradise, "- 1 oz. 

Cassia, - - - i oz* 

Cardamon seeds, and saf- 7 ^ j^^. 

fron, of each 5 

Liquorice, dissolved in white 7 4 oz. 

wine, 5 

Bu;up of saffron enough to form a mass. 
The dose about two ounces. 



250 

No. 4. 

Powdered Ginger, - 4 oz. 

Powdered Caraway seeds^ 8 oz. 

Oilof Caraways, and ? a 1 

Oil of Anise-seeds^ of each 3 

Liquorice powder, - - 8 oz. 

Treacle enousrli to form a mass. 



^5i 



APPENDIX 



OBSEEVJITIOJ^S OX WOUJ^BS. 



IN the former editions of tliis work this subject 
was treated of rather concisely : further experience 
has, however, convinced me, that the common metliod 
of treating wounds is so directly in opposition to rea- 
son and nature, as to render a detailed account of the 
proper mode of treatment indispensable. 

Wounds of the human body, when inflicted with 
a keen instrument, are often cured, merely by bring- 
ing the divided parts into contact, and keeping them 
in that situation by means of suture (stitches,) or stick- 
ing plaster and bandage. In a few days nature com- 
pletely reunites the parts, without any inflammation 
or supuration having appeared. This surgeons call 
Uiiion hy theJlrstintentiori^Rnd is so desirable a 
method of healing wounds, that it is generally at- 
tempted, even under circumstances v/hich render its 
accomplishment doubtful. In the wounds of horses 
this kind of union can scarcely ever be efl*ected, from 
the ditTiculty of keeping the wounded part in a state 
of rest, and from the laceration and contusion with 
whicii their wounds are generally accompanied. 

To render the subject more clear, we shall dividft 
wcuads iuto the following claisscs :— - 



i. Simple incisetl woumls. 

f3. Lacerated and contused WQUinfe^ 

3. Punctured wounds. 

4. Wounds of cavities. 



Simjpla incised wounds, 

Are those inflicted with a keen instrument, by 
wliicli the skiu or other parts are nearly divide(!, 
witjiout being torn or bruised. 

This kind of wound, however, seldom happens to 
horses : when they do occur, though there is little 
probability of alS'ecting an union hy the first inten- 
tion, it should always be attempted : and if the di- 
vided part^ cannot be kept together by sticking plas- 
ter and bandage alone, the lips of the wound should 
be neatly sewed, so as to be held firmly in contact 
\vith each other, with waxed thread several times 
doubled; and if the situation of the woujid will ad- 
mit of it, a bandage or roller should be afterward ap- 
plied to assist in the accomplishaient of this end, and 
render the stitches less painful. But how different 
from this is the practice of farriers, ignorant of the 
animal econoj^iy, aiid the wonderful power with whicli 
the Almighty has endued the ani i>al system, of re- 
covering itself when injured . and of re-producing 
flesh that has been destroyed ! They ofTlciously pre- 
vent this desirable union by putting tents (that is, 
lint or tow moistened with some stimulating licpild) 
between the li|>s of the wound, by which tliey are ef- 
fectually hindered from cohering, however naturally 
disposed to unite ; but this is not the only evil of the 
practice, la extensive wounds the injured parts are 



^93 

so irritated by exposure and their appUcalions^ thai 
moitiiic-ition is sometimes the consequence. Fav 
better than this would it be, to leave the wound to 
nature^ merely keeping it clean, and wlien the first 
innanimallon has subsided and white matter a[)pears 
brinii;ing the sepGFtUed parts as near to eacli other as 
possible, and retaining theai in tliat situation by 
means of bandage. By this method the wound vronld 
Ileal much mor« speedily, and the consequent blem- 
ish, or scar, would be considerably lessened. It is 
unnecessary to say more of the sim^de incised wound, 
for should tlie attempt to heal it by the first intention 
fail, it bi CO Ties necessary to assist nature, as in lacer- 
ated wou.kU : still, during tlie whole cure of a sim- 
ple \vound, it is proper to keep the dividad parts to- 
gether as well as we can, which will be found more 
useful than any balsamic vulnerary or healing appli- 
cation, that the most expert fariers receipt book can 
furnish- 



Lacerated and Contused Wounds^ 

The wounds of horses are most commonly indicted 
with some blunt instrument, and consequently tJic 
parts are rather torn asunder, tiian simply and neat- 
ly divided ; at the saii^e time, the instrument is gen- 
erally applied with such force that the skin, flesh, &€, 
are considerably bruised; for example, whe^ a hors© 
falls upon his knees, is kicked or bit by another 
horse, in attempting to leap, gets his hind or fore-leg 
entangled in a gate, and in other such accidents. In 
these cases the laceration and contusion are so con- 
sit|erable. tliat the kind of union before meiitioned is 



totally impracticable ; it is^ notwitlistaudingj adviaa 
ble to keep the divided parts together as well as we 
can, taking care to allow the matter which forms, to 
escape freeiy, and avoiding the violent stimulating 
applications commonly used by farriers on such oc- 
casions, which, to i-jay tliG best of them, always in- 
crease the inflammation and danger, and obstruct the 
cure. 1 have seen a horse die in the greatest agonies 
from a wound received in entangling the hind-leg in 
a gate, by which not only the skin and Hesh were 
excessively torn and bruised, but the stifle joint was 
also much injured. In this case, the fatal event and 
the excessive pain were undoubtedly accelerated and 
lieightened, if not altogether occasioned by the caus- 
tic applications of the farrier employed.* 

* A short time ag-n, I was induced by respectable recommendation to 
employ a practising- faniev in our Veterinary Iniirmary, as superintending- 
gToom, under an idea that he might be the more useful from being- capa- 
ble of applying poultices, fomentations, giving balls, 8cc. — TJiougli like bis 
Vulcaniau.brethren extremely ignorant, lie appeared tracta!)le and desirous 
of instruction; unfoitunutely my plan of trusting in some measure to na- 
ture in tlie treatment of wounds and ulcers, a-^peared to him to arise from 
negligence; and in the excess of his zeal, during the time I v's'.ted my 
out patients, he endeavoured to compensate for my apparent omissions, 
by his own industry. Finding several cases unusually obstinate, I was led 
to make some inquirj' into the business, which was soon explained, when 
informed that this indefatigable practitioner had used nearly an ounce of 
kmar caustic Cavgentxi.m niratumj m a fortnight This man has s'.nce had 
tlie presumption to set himself up as a vetcr'.nary practitioner, and now 
deals out his caustics and opposes nature without coiUroul. 

It has since appeared, tiiatthis man was induced to offer his services by 
supposing that s'jch an employment would after a short time be coneider- 
ed by the public as a sufficient sanction for his practising the veterinary 
art. 

The celebrated St. Bel, first professor of our veterinary college, in liis 
observations on veterinary medicine, justly remarks, " that at this time the 
art appears obscured and bewildered by the ill placed confidence of the 
owners of horses, upon the blacksmith of the parish, upon illiterate and 
conceited grooms, or upon a set of ignorant and presuming men, infinite- 
ly more dangerous than all the rest, who, arrogating to themselves the ti- 
tle of doctors, distribute their nostrums to the destruction of thovisands^ 
whose varied disorders they treat alike, without consulting nature or ait, 
either about t e cause or the effect. — Miserable animal! thou canst not 
complain, when to the disease with which thou art affected, excniciatlng 
torment.s are superadded by the unmeaning efforts of ignorant men, who, 
after pronouncing a hackneyed common-place opinion of thy case, pro-- 
ceed with all expedition to op^n thy S-eins, lacerate thy flesh, cauterise Xhy- 



S55 

In tiie treatment of extensive lacerated wounds the 
first object is to remove any dirt^ splinters, or other 
extraneous matter that may be in the wound ; if a flap 
of skin hang down^ or flesli be nearly torn off, tliey 
should be carefully replaced, and never cut off, how- 
ever unseemly they may appear to the farrier, unless 
so much bruised as to be irrecorerablc. When the 
parts are so divided as to require considerable pres- 

sinews, and flrcnch thy stomach \vi!.h drugs. ;ich-crse in .crericral to the cure 
they engage to perform !" — So extensive is tl^e mischief occasioned by tills 
*,' ill placet! confidence" of which St. Bel speaks, and so serious an ob.«ta-, 
cle has it hitherto proved to the progress cf veterinary science, thati' 
mast beg leave to make a short quotation from Mr. Richard Laurence's in- 
genious publication. 

" The necessity of long study in anatomy, pa'.liology, and the composi- 
tion of drugs, to qualify u practitioner ija rnediciriC, iV universaliy acknow- 
ledged ; ai\d an the horde exists by similaj' laws, and is subject to' many cf 
the diseases incident to mankind, it cannot require much penetration to 
discover, that studies of the same nature must be absolutely requisite to 
constitute a good farrier . but if conclusions M-ereto be drawn from t'le ba- 
sis on which the veterinary system hns hitherto rested, it would seem tliat 
the science of fariery, has been considered as a natural gift, and not in the 
least dependent on the tedious process of medical inquiry and investigation; 
for every blacksmith, groom and stable boy, net only conceives himself but 
is often believed by his employer, to be fully competent to the important 
task of curing diseases, of the nature of whic)^ he is totally ignorant. Sure- 
ly nothing can be more absurd than to imagine that a groom, by having 
fed and cleaned ahorse a few years, must consecjuently become acquaint- 
ed with his diseases and their causes. It vvould be equally plausible to 
assert, that because he knows by occular experience that the sun rises in 
the morning and sets at nig'ht, he must be an astronomer. 

" The majority of the affluent, to avoid the trouble of refietilon, suffer 
them.selves to be influenced in matters of this riature, by men whose opin- 
ions on any other subject, would be treated vrith the ut.nost contempt. 
Few things can be more affecting to a humane and contemplative mind, 
than the sufferings of a mute and patient animal, the estimable con.tributor 
to our pleasures and comforts, when affected witli some violent diseaes, 
in which nature exerts her utmost efforts to relieve herself ; hut 1 o.v must 
this scene of distress be heightened could the proprietor be convinced, 
that the very men he applies to for assistance oidy aggravate the evil by 
their ignorance !" 

The Earl of Pembroke, whose j,\dicious treatise on horses has been uni- 
versally approved, seems to have been aware of the mlschevious tendency 
of encouraging these illiterate pretenders, when he observes, '* Whoever 
lets his farrier, groom or coachman, in consideration of his having swept 
dung out of his stables for a greater or less number of years, ever even 
mention any thing more than water gruel, a clyster, or a little bleeding, and 
that too very seldom ; or pretend to talk of the nature of feet, the seat of 
lameness, sickness, or their cures', may be very ceitain to find himself vei'y 
shortly quite on foot. 



2^6 

sure^ to bring them togetlier again, it is improper (o 
sew the wound up^ as the tendency of the parts to 
recede from each other would constantly keep the 
fetitches upon the stietch. and so irritate the wound 
as to bring on excessive inilainination, and perliaps 
ultimately gangrene or mortification. The only thing 
to be kept in view in tliesc extensive wounds is^ to 
employ the most eHectual means for keeping the in- 
flammation within bounds, until supuration takes 
place, which is indicated by the appearance of white 
matter, and the subsidence of the inflammatory swel- 
ling, and abatement of pain and fever. On many 
occasions, the parts may be brought carefully togeth- 
er as near as can he without employing considerable 
force, and may be supported in that situation by a 
proper bandage. Whenever stitches are employed 
in such woundg^ and drawn tight, they give exces- 
sive pain to the animal, and bring on a dangerous de- 
gree of inflammation ; the violent pain often causes 
symptomatic fever, and after all, the intention of em- 
ploying them is not answered, as they always sepa- 
rate in two or three days, and leave tlie wound as o- 
pen as at first, presenting a mucli more formidable 
appearance from the n*ischief caused by the increas- 
ed inflammation, and the retention of putrid matter. 
After cleaning a lacerated wountl with warm water, 
"whicii wlien its sicuation and depth render it necessa- 
i*y, should be injected vAih a syringe ; the divided 
skin, flesh §'c. should be carefully brought together 
and secured as we have previously directed.-^ 

• Tlie comMion practice cfraiTieisin tlicsc cases is, to tippl\- freely somfc 
slimulatin,^- spirituous prepiiriition, such as spirit of wine and camplior, fri- 
er's balsuni (w iucli i^ u solution of certain resins and balsams in spirit of wjr.e) 
•»rand3% and man.v otlicr tilings equally injurions : some of tliem i!se even 
a mixture of oil of turpentine, and acid of vitr'.ol ; and then, as if they Mere 
<l.etennincd to do all t'le Injury intheii" power, the woimd is plug-ed up witlt. 
a quantity of tow, moistened with tlie same stimidating' preparation, witli 
whicli the wound was washed or syringed. A few days ago, I was desir- 
ed to attend a horse, that had met with a deep and extensive wound by en- 
Vangling'. it v^as supposed, his fovc leg- in a gate, while at grass ; the farn- 



If the liorse be in good condition^ and have not 
lost much blood from the vvoimd^ he should be bled 
rather freely : in other circumstances it will be pro- 
per to omit that operation, or take^only a small quan- 
tity. A purging draught or ball should be given as 
early as possible, and the horse's diet confined to 

er had been there before me ; and observing' a syringe in his liand, I inqui- 
red what Uquld he had employed, and was told " Brandy." Upon expres- 
sing' my fear that so stimuhtting' an apphcation would do mischief, the far- 
rier immediately replied, " There is no danger of that, for I put a little 
oil witii it ; and }'ou know the one is hot, and the other cohV^ I could not 
but smile at the ingenuity of the explanation, but requested that nothing* 
of the sort mig'lit be again employed. 

The popular prejadice in favour of those spirituous or balsamic/prepara- 
tions, as they are termed, in all kinds of wounds, has been the cause of much 
mischief m veterinary, perhaps not much less in human sui-gery. The 
credit they have acquired is owing to the wonderful property, with which 
the animal body is endued, of uniting parts that have been divided, merely 
by keeping them in contact with each otiier. Many astonishing" instances 
of this have been related by writers on surgery ; and it has been proved, 
that if even a tooth recently drawn be replaced in its socket, it will soon 
become as firm as the rest. The spur of a cock just cut off' being- stuck 
into the comb, will soon adhere, and grow as it did upon the leg*. A res- 
pectable author relates the case of a man who accidentally stepped on 
a keen instrament, and nearly divided his foot : all the bones, ten- 
dons, &c. were divided, except the bone going to the little toe, he bled 
profusely, and fainted, by which the hemorrhagh was stopjjed. A surgeon 
then brought the divided parts together, and secured them with splints 
and bandage. The man was thoroughly cured in a short time, and the 
foot became as perfect as the other. Surgeons are now so convinced of 
the power of nature to heal simple incised wounds, when the divided pai'ts 
are kept in contact with eacli other, without the assistance of any spirit, 
balsam, or salve ; which they know rather impedes than ex]>edices the 
cure, that a practitioner would he laughed at, were he to adopt so absurd 
a practice ; it appears, indeed, that balsams were first used on account of 
their glutinous quality, in order to keep the parts more comp],etely in con- 
tact ; with the same view, white of icgg, gum water and other things of the 
same nature' were employed. It is to be lamentedthat the public are 
still so prejudiced in favour of stimulating preparations, such as friar's bal- 
cam, tincture of myrrh and ali^s, and above all the famous riga balsam, 
wliicli is preferable from being- less stimulating", that a veterinary surg-eou 
ean hardly venture to trust nature a little in the treatment of wounds, 
without being" accused t)f negligence. It may be depended upon, howev- 
er, that in every case of simple incised wounds, where these preparationri 
have been thought to effect a cure, they have not in the least contributed 
to it : nature has been the restorer, in spite of the obstacles opposed to 
her efforts. Wounds that have degenerated ii 'to ulcers, either from bad 
management, or from the parts liaving been lacerated or bruised, often 
require the application of stimulants ; but even in such wounds they are 
not to be employed, until the inflammation which necessarily follows Jhe 
iniury has subsided. 



25S 

hay and mashes, ov bri;n : lie may be allowed to 
drink freely and frefjuenily^ and must be ke^.t per- 
fect! v at rest. 

9' 

The wound should be cleansed once or twice a day 
as may be found necessary, with water at blood heat ; 
which, when the woiiud is deep, may be done more 
ettectually, by means of a syringe. The only ex- 
ternal application necessary at this period is a fo- 
mentation. (See Fomentation) When this plan is a- 
dopted, the inflammation, swelling and fever, which 
always follow an extensive lacerated wound, will be 
mnch more moderate than it would otherwise have 
heen, and in a few days will have subsided consid- 
erably ; a white matter will then flow from the wound 
and the horse ^^ill not appear to suffer mnch pain. 
When this has heen accomplisbed, it is necessary to 
endeavour as much as possible to bring the divided 
parts together, and there will be less danger and pain 
from drawing the bandage with ^nore force fjr this 
parpose. Warm water may still be used for cleans- 
ing the Wound ; but when the inflanvmation is quite 
gone off, some stimulating liquids may be employed, 
but these are unnecessary when the divided parts cap^ 
be brought into contact. When this cannot be effect- 
ed^ or when tliere is a loss of substance, the wound 
cannot heal without the formation qf new parts, and 
stimulants are often required to accelerate this pro- 
cess. At iirst the weaker preparations are to be u- 
sed, such as dilute spirit, or a weak soludon of blue 
vitriol : but when the healing process goes on slow- 
ly, the matter becoming thin, and losing its wdiite co- 
lour, the stronger stimulants, as tincture of Benzoin, 
or even oil of turpentine, may be applied, and the 
constitution invigorated by a nutritious diet, such as 
malt and oats, or carrots ; and when the discharge is 
very considerable and appears to weaken the animal, 
tills is more particularly necessary, and must be as- 
sisted by medicines of the toalc klnd^ such as Pern- 



^^9 

vian hark, Cascarilla, vitriolatecl iron , and sometimes 
porter or beer^ and even opium ; it is ojily in very 
deop and and extensive wounds, liowever, where 
there is a profuse dischari^e, and constitutional weak- 
ness, that this treatment is required. 

When wounds of this kind terminate fatally, it is 
generally from the violence of the inflammation and 
symptomatic fever causing gangrene, delerium and 
total exhaustion. Our first and principal object there- 
fore, should be to restrain this inordinate inflamma- 
tion by every means in our power; but farriers, ever 
in opposition to nature, generally destroy their pa- 
tients in these cases ; torturing the unfortunate ani- 
mal by the application of violent stimulants, and even 
caustics ; cramming into the waund hard tents, and 
persuading his employer that this cruel and absurd 
treatment will infallibly heal the wound. When we 
have succeeded in these extensive lacerated wounds 
so far as to bring on a healthy supuration, a dis- 
che^rge of white matter, and an appearance of new 
flesh sprouting up in various parts, in small granula- 
tions of a red colour, we may be satisfied that the 
danger is over. 

At this period we may safely use more lorce m 
bringing the divided parts together ; an4 if the wound 
appear languid, wanting that red appearance we 
have just described, and discharging thm matter, 
some of (he stimulants w^e have mentioned may be 
emplo^^ed i still it is improper to cram tents into the 
wound or daub them over with stinking ointments. 

If the red granulations form so luxuriantly as to 
rise above the level of the skin, they must be Kept 
down by red precipitate, burnt allum, or other ap- 
plications of this kind; pressure will also be effec 
tual on this occasion, laying a piece of soft lint on 
the part, and confining it with a roller. fehould the 
sides or edges of the wound become callous, caiisUcs 



^60 

must be applied to remove the old surface^ and tlieu 
fresh attempts should be made to bring them into 
contact. When tlie matter has penetrated from hav- 
ing been confined, so as to form sinuses, fistuise, or 
ppes as thej ^re commonly termed (that is, narrow^ 
deep ulcers running in various directions,) their sides 
if possible should be brought into contact by means 
of pressure. If such sinuses have existed for some 
time, the sides will have become callous, and inca- 
pable of uniting ; it is then necessary to apply caus- 
tic, either by injecting some liquid caustic, such as 
strong solution of blue vitriol, dilute nitrous acid, §'c. 
with a syringe, or by dipping lint in the same and,- 
passing with a probe to the bottom of every sinus. 
{See Fistula^ Poll-evil and Q^idttor.) This is the 
only occasion on which tents are proper. If it be im- 
possible to bring the sides of the sinus into contact, 
it can only be cured by the formation of new flesh, 
to promote which it is necessary to inject daily some 
stimulating liquid, such as spirit of wine, tincture of 
benzoin, ^c. keeping the orifice open, lest it heal 
before the deeper part. Even these, however, will 
be found ineffectual, if the sides of the sinuses, be 
calous ; and then should be preceded by the caustic 
as above described, (See Ulcers, Fistula, Poll-evil 
and Qiiittor,) which sometimes requires to be repeat- 
ed. I thought it necessary to be thus minute in des- 
cribing the treatment of lacerated w^ounds, as it is a 
subject of great importance, and generally little un- 
derstood. Under this head it is proper to treat also 
of gun-shot w ounds, in which the ball enters w itli 
such force, and the parts are so much bruised, that 
then vetality is destroyed ; therefore nothing can 
prevent their separation, ov sloughing as it is termed. 
This generally takes place a few days after the ac- 
cident, and until that period it would be highly im- 
j)roper to use any kiud of pressure^ or attempt to 



26i 

bring the sides of the wound into contact. The first 
thing to he done in these wounds is to extract the 
ball, should it have lodged ; hut we must not employ 
any violent means to eiiect this, as it as it is more ea- 
sily done after the dead parts have separated and a 
Jiealthy supuration has taken place. Sometimes the 
ball penetrates so far as to be felt near the opposite 
side of the part, where an incision should then be 
made in order to extract it. Whenever matter ponds 
up, or is confined in any kind of wound, it is proper 
to make such lui opening as will allow it to escape 
freely: setons are sometimes employed for this pur- 
pose. (See Wounds of Cavities and Punctured 
Wounds.) In gun-shot wounds it is improper to bleed 
as hemorrhage often happens when the dead parts 
separate : in other respects they are to be treated as 
we have above described. Indeed their treatment 
must depend greatly ou the importance and situation 
of the wounded part, as the ball may penetrate a 
joint, or the cavity of the chest or belly. (See wounds 
of Cavities.) 



Functured Wounds. 

This kind of wound also often occurs in veterinary 
practice. The feet are particularly liable to it, and 
not unfrequently they are inflicted througb the care- 
lessness or impatience of the groom. During the 
time of my service in the army, I may truly assert, 
that more than fifty cases occurred, in which the 
wound was inflicted by the fork used about the litter, 
either by accident or 'by the savage violence of the 
groom. It is but just, however, to acknowledge that 
a good soldier will sacrifice even his own repose to 



S62 

that of his horse, and tliinks nothing a labour that 
can contribute to the health and comfort of his faith- 
ful companion ; but among so great a number of men 
there are too often some of a different description. 
Punctured wounds of the feet are most frequent, and 
are caused, either by i\m horse stepping on a nail, or 
jpiclcing ujp a nail as it is teamed, or by careless- 
ness of the farrier in shoeino; In the former 
case the nail generally enters the frog, and often 
penetrates the joint of the colSn bone. (See Anato- 
my of the foot,) The sole is generally suificiently 
liard to resist the nail : but the frog is commonly of 
a softer and more spungy nature. When the coffin 
joint is wounded, there is danger of an incurable 
lameness from the joint beconhig stiff; bat by prop- 
er management the wound is often closed in a short 
time, and the tree motion of the bones preserved. 
(See Wounds of Joints ^ nider the head IVounds of 
Cavities.) Whenever the foot is wounded by a nail, 
it is necessary immediately to open tlie oritice in the 
horny matter by means of a drawing knife : if the 
joint be wounded synovia, or joint oil will issue from 
the wound, but in very small quantity. An exper- 
enced person can easily ascertain this point still more 
certainly by tracing the wound with a probe. The 
treatment of this kind of wound will be described in 
the chapter on Wfiinds of Cavities ; but when the 
joint has escaped the injury, after enlarging the open- 
ing made by the nail in the liorny matter, and cut- 
ting away the horn from the contiguous parts, until 
it becomes very thin, a little tincture of benzoin is to 
be poured into the wound ; the stimulus of which, so 
far from being injurious as in lacerated wounds, will 
soon brins; on a secretion of healthy matter ; a little 
tow or lint, dipped in tar or Venice turpentine, is then 
to be applied, and the whole foot kept cool by means 
of a bran poultice. The most essential part of the 
treatment is opening well the orifice in the horny 



S63 

matter ; for in wouiuls of this kind we always find/ 
that soon after the nail has been withdrawn, the 
puncture in the horn nearly closes ; but the living 
parts that have been wounded underneath the horn 
soon inflame and swell ; consequently tliey suffer 
considerable pressure^ as the horn is too thick and 
inflexible to give room to them as they swell. At 
length matter forms, which being confined by the 
horny covering, diffuses itself betv/een the sensible 
and insensible parts, sometimes so extensively as to 
render it necessary to remove great part, or even the 
T/hole of the latter. This operation, so often cruelly 
and unnecessarily performed by farriers, is termed 
drawing the sole. In the case described, where the 
parts are separated by the matter, the operation is 
performed with but little pain to the animal. But 
those olRcious prrctitioners too often tear it off when 
perfectly healthy, and, with a riew to remove a 
lameness, of the cause and seat of which they are 
totally ignorant. Often have I been desired by the 
owner of a lame horse to draiv the sole^ under an 
idea that it was an infallible remedy for an obstinate 
laaieness, or for a desperate wound of the coffin 

• • Li!' 

jomt.^^ 

When it has been found necessary to remove some 
part of the horny sole, in consequence of matter hav- 
ing formed under it, a pledget of tow dipped in di- 

* This mlschevious and cruel operation is held in sucli hig^h estimation by 
fan-iers, that they exultingly display the soles of their unfortunate pati- 
ents, nailed to their doors or window shutters, as a sort of deploma, or un- 
deniable sanction to practice the artof fariery. We have reason to hope, 
that this abominable and cruel practice will not long exist, as the condition 
of this most useful animal has of late experienced a considerable mehora- 
tion, and will, we trust, by the laudable encouragement now given by ma- 
ny distinguished, I may say, illustrious personages to the veter.nary sci- 
ence, be soon rescued from the hands of those barbarous and presuming 
practitioners. The ingenious gentleman I have before mentioned, so libe- 
ral in the use of caustics was equally proud of his skill in tearing off the 
soles from horses' feet, and I am informed often boasts in ale-houses, among 
grooms and other companions, of his skill in this operation, and more par- 
ticularly of his profound knowledge of the « Ottimuj [meanijig Anatomyi 
of the Hone," 



864^ 

gestive -ointment;, or a mixture of Ve«iice turpentine 
and liog's lard should be applied. Soiifetimes we 
find the coffin hone diseased, in which case the inju- 
red part generally separates, and then a new horny 
sole is gradually formed. When a horse's hoof is 
wounded by the farrier in shoeing, he is said to be 
pricked ; the nail instead of being driven into the 
horny insensible part only, is either forced into the 
living parts, or so near to them as by its pressure to 
give such pain to the animal as to cause him to go 
lame; inliammation gradually takes place in conse- 
quence, and at lengtli matter forms, witich, if not al- 
lowed to eitscape by removing the shoe and cutting a- 
waytheiiorn with a small drawing-knife, spreads 
under the hoof, aiid after some days breaks out at the 
coronet, [^^^e Anatomy cfthrfiot.l In this case 
the mischief is not always discovered immediately af- 
ter shoeing. Tha pressure upiui the sensible parts is 
sometimes too incon iderahle ai first to occcision lame- 
ness ; so that svhen the burse is observed to go lame, 
the farrier proaouTices ii lo be in the shoulder, and 
the poor .4.^i>nal is toiin nted by the strrng oils or e- 
ven biistrrs applied to that part, v^ hile he is sulfering 
from aiiosber c'uu->e. It is in tiris way that the dis- 
ease is sometimes allowed to run such lengths as we 
have described. When the luul is so driven as to 
wound ihe sensible parts at once, the horse goes lame 
im;aediately after; and the cause being generally 
suspected, the skoe is taken oif, the opeiiing in the 
horny part enlarged with a drawing knife, and a lit- 
tle tincture of benzoin applied. The lameness is thus 
soon removed, the shoe reapplied, taking care not to 
place a nail or suffer the shoe to press on the injured 
part, and the horse becomes capable of returning to 
his work.* 

* The remedy commonl}'^ empfloyed by fanners in these wounds is oil of 
turpenti^ie poured inlo the wound, and then set on fire with a candle ; the 
more knowing ones, however, prefer oil of vitriol, perhaps as being uiot^ 
,sjir>ple, rendering the applicatioti of the candle unnecessary. 



S65 



|\iieii wounds of tliis kind have been so ne-lect^ 
edthat ma ter breaks out IVoni the coronet^ it is still 
necessary to enlarge t!ie opening in the horn beneath : 
mni ii It liave closed (which it generally does,) the 
horn mast be removed with a drawing knife, thatthn 
matter may escape freely : the upper woand, (in the 
coronet will then so:)n heal, by applying the tinc- 
ture of benzoi.i. Fiinciiirel icounds in other parts 
are often laiiicled with the stable fork, either acci- 
dentally or intentionally : J have often known joints 
woundevi ill this way. (For the treatment of joint 
wounas, see IVoumls of Cavities,) When the llesli 
only IS punctured, the oriUce must be kept open that 
the vround may heal from the bottom : and if the 
sides-become calous and indisposed to heal, a mild 
caustic may be is^jected, such as solution of blue vit- 
nol. In punctured wounds of the fleshy parts, it is 
of consequence to procure a free exit for the matter : 
with this view we often make counter openings with 
a knife, or pass a set ;n througli the wound. ' In re- 
cent wounds, however, of the punctured kind, those 
irritating applications are improper ; wounds of this 
kind are frequently followed by considerable pain 
and inflammation. It is therefore necessary to keep 
the orifice ojien ; and if it be small, to enlarge it with 
a lancet, when the pain and inflammation have sub- 
i sided. Should the wound appear indisposed to heal 
and be found upon examining with the probe to be 
as deep as at first, there is reason to suppose that its 
sides have become calous ; a caustic is then to be ap- 
plied throughout its whole course; and after a day 
or two, or when white matter is observed to flow from 
the wound, such pressure should be applied, where 
it is practicable, as will bring the sides of the wound 
into contact, and continued until they are united. 
When punctured wounds are so situate, that the mat- 
ter can freely escape, there is much less difficulty in 
curing them, than when tiiey are in a situation of a 

2B 



266 

different kind ; or where the orifice, instead of being 
the lovvestj is the highest part of the wound. This 
inconvenience, however, is sometimes obviated by 
making a new opening with a knife or lancet, or by 
passing a seton through the wound : but in some sit- 
uations this cannot be clone : nor can we in many ca- 
ses apply sufficient pressure to bring the sides togetb- 
cr. The wound can then be healed only by the for- 
mation of new parts, l)y which the cavity is filled up ; 
to effect which we inject stimulating liquids, such as 
proof spirit, tincture of benzoin, or solution of blue 
vitriol, taking care to keep the orifice open, that the 
bottom of the wound may be first healed. 

The most formidable punctured wounds generally 
happen while a horse is employed in hunting, in leap- 
ing over gates or Iiedges : he is tlien said to be stak- 
ed. The deeper and more lacerated these wounds 
are, the more carefully should we avoid the irrita- 
ting applications and tents of the farriers, adopting 
in their stead the same treatment we have directed 
for extensive lacerated wounds. 

There is anotlier kind of punctured wounds whicli 
is likely to occur in military service : and in a charge 
of cavalry upon a line of infantry, it is astonishing 
that so many should escape the bayonet as we gene- 
rally find do on such occasions. Those are general- 
ly of considerable depth, and often followed by pro- 
fuse bleeding. When the bayonet penetrates the 
belly or chest, the wound is commonly fatal, parti- 
cularly if any of the large blood vessels within these 
cavities be v/ounded. When merely the fleshy parts 
are wounded, there will be little danger, particular- 
ly if there be no considerable blood vessel opened. 
The treatment of these wounds is nearly the same as 
we have already described, except that it is more fre- 
quently necessary to enlarge the orifice or mouth of 
the wound ; and that there is often occasion to per- 
form a ratlier difficult operation, namely that of tyiifg 



267 

tlie artery in order to stop tlie bleeding ; for when a 
large artery is wounded, the blood flows so copious- 
ly as to require tlie most expeditious means of sup- 
pression. It is difficult for a person unacquainted 
with anatomy to perform this operation of tying the 
artery. Therefore if no professional person be pre- 
sent at such an accident, it is advisable to endeavour 
to stop the bleeding by pressure, giving up all at- 
tempts to tye the artery, and not placing any depeu- • 
dance upon those preparations called styptics. 

Pieces of spunge or lint, secured with banda^e^ 
will be found most convenient for this purpose. If 
the wounded artery be of considerable size, which 
may be known by the quantity of blood and the force 
with which it is thrown out, the bandage should not 
be removed till the second or third day^'. 

In these wounds, also, it is necessary to avoid the 
stimulating applications and tents commonly employ- 
ed by farriers: but when the inflammation has subsi- 
ded, and the wound does not appear disposed to heal, 
they may be used with advantage. It /is of impor- 
tance to procure a free exit for the matter, for which 
purpose a counter-opening may be made, when the 
situation of the wound will admit of it. 

All punctured wounds are liable to become fistu- 
lous ; that is, when the sides cannot be brought into 
contact by any means, they often become callous. 
It may be necessary to repeat, that in such cases 
caustics must be applied to destroy tlie callosity, and 
then gentle stimulants are to be injected to promote 
the formation of new flesh. There is more difficulty 
in healing wounds of tendons or ligaments, than 

* It is easy to distini2:uish between a wounded artery and a vein. In th» 
latter the blood is of a darker red colour, flows in a uniform stream, and 
with little force ; in the former, the blood is of a bright scarlet colour, and 
is thrown out by jerks, witli considerable force. 



268 



flesh wounds : and in such cases^ after the first isi^ 
flaramation has subsided, the stronger stimulants^ 
and even caustics, are often required. 



% 



Wounds of Circtimscrihed Cavities. 



[Under this head we shall describe wounds of the 
Chest, Belljf: Joints^ Sheaths of Tendons and 
Blood' vessels. 2 



When the chest or belly is punctured, there is 
generally danger of a fatal termination: tlie danger, 
however, is proportionate to the extent of the injury, 
and is always greater when any of the parts contain- 
ed in the chest or belly are injured. This kind of 
wound is most liable to happen in military service, 
and is most commonly inflicted with the bayonet and 
ball. Even in small wounds of these important cav- 
ities, there is danger of inflammation taking place in 
the bowels: it is necessary, therefore, to close the 
wound as neatly and expeditiously as possible, by 
sewingit up ; taking cra-e however, that the needle 
do not pass through the fleshy parts, but merely 
through the skin. It is proper also to bleed accord- 
ing to the strength and condition of the animal, and 
■to give it a purgative draught. If swellhig and in- 
flammation come on, foment frequently v/ith a decoc- 
tion of the bitter herbs. (See Fomentations.) If 
ihc wound do not unite by the first intention, white 
matter will soon make its appearance. A little tinc- 
ture of benzoin may then be applied. In extensive 
wounds of the abdomen or helly, the bowels often 
«[:orae outtbroii2;h the opening, in which case tliere h 



^69 

considerable danger, tlK)iigli the bowels may have e«»* 
caped the injury. Should they have been wounded, 
let the w ound be very neatly stitched up with a siiall 
needle and waxed silk, and then gently replaced 
v/ithin the belly, taking care first to remove any dirt 
or other matter that may adliere to them. The wound 
is then to be carefully closed as we have before di- 
rected, and supported if possible with bandage : the 
end of the silk, however, with which the bowel is 
sewed should be kept out of the external wound. 
Bleeding and a clyster are particularly necessary ; 
bran mashes, with strong gruel, or a little sweet oat 
meal stirred into each mash, is the most proper diet. 
If the bowels have been wounded, it is absolutely 
requisite to keep the horse from eating hay or straW;, 
or any hard food ; for as the digestive process is far 
fi'om being perfected iji the horse's stomach, tlio hay 
or strav/ might arrive at the wounded part in a state 
capable of doing great injury. In wounds of the 
chest nearly the same treataieut is reqMircd ; a pur- 
gative, however, may be given in such cases, before 
inilammation has taken place: but whenever this 
happens, Avhether it be in consequence of these 
wounds or of wounds of the belly, it must be treated 
^according to the directions given under the heads. 
Inflammation of the Lungs and Bou^eh. 

The cavities next in importance to the chest and 
belly are those immQil joints ; which in horses are 
more frequently v/ounded tliau the elher cavities. 
These wounds, althougli from mismanagement they 
sometimes prove fatal, yet are of more importance 
from the circumstance, that without the greatest care 
and the most judicious trearment they almost invari- 
ably render the horse permanently lame ; and some- 
times in so considerable a degree, that lie becomes 
nearly if not entirely useless. Previous, hov/ever to 
entering on the consideration of their treatment, it 
is desirable to give such an account of tlie struc^ire 



%70 

t>r a joint, as may render the directions more intelii- 
gible. A joint is formed, generally spcalcing, by 
the ends or heads of two or more bones ; these ends 
are covered by a layer of gristle or cartilage, which 
is of a yielding and elastic nature ; this cartilage has 
on its surface a firm but thin membrane, which is 
coirstantly forming a slippery fluid, termed synovia 
or joint oil ; it possesses also absorbent vessels to 
prevent an undue accumulation of this fluid.* The 
ends of the bones, thus covered with a smooth yield- 
ing surface so slippery as to move upon each other 
freely without suffering from friction, are then firmly 
tied together by a strong inelastic substance, termed 
ligament^ which completely surrounds the heads of 
the bones, as far at least as they are covered with the 
smooth cartilage. This ligament, termed by anato- 
mists ca^su/ar ligament, it is not so tight as to pre- 
vent extensive motion of the bones, but sufficiently 
so to hold them firmly 1% their proper situation. The 
joint is thus completely shut up, forming a kind of 
sac, or what is termed a circumscribed cavity, and the 
joint oil which is formed is confined to its proper sit- 
uation. When a joint is wounded, or in other words, 
when the cajJsular ligament is wounded, the joint 
oil, which is a transparent fluid, of a light yellow or 
brownish colour, is seen almost constantly oozing 
from the wound, particularly wl:.3n the animal moves 
the joint. If proper means be not employ to close 
the wound, inflammation takes place within the joint, 
occasioning the most excruciating pain, and at first 
an increased formation of synovia. If the wound 
continue open, the inflammation and pain become 

* ^^^hen a joint becomes dropsical, as in bog spaviuy it is either from a 
loss of power in the absorbent vessels, or an increased action of the vessel* 
which Ibrni the joint oil : perhaps botli these causes may concur in pvotkic- 
ing tlie disease, the more remote cause of which is generally hard work, 
that is, ti)o great or too long continued motion of the joint. The disease 
termed Tvindjf alls maybe explained ill the same way, [See Windfalls, Ap- 
pendix.] 



more considerable, and a symptomatic fever takes 
place, which sometimes proves fatal. It ofien hap- 
pens, however, in this stage of the complaint, that 
the vessels of the capsular ligament, instead of form- 
ing joint oil, pour out a large quantity of glutinous 
coagulating fluid, which, filling the cavity of the joint 
and becoming solid, totally and permanently oblite- 
rates it. The inflammation, pain and fever, then 
gradually subside, and the wound heals ; but the 
joint can no longer be moved, and an incurable lame- 
ness is the consequence. From this description will 
appear the importance of attending to these wounds 
as early as possible, and of closing the wound as ex- 
peditiously as we can. This, however, cannot be 
effected by the means we have recommended for oth- 
er wounds. Ligaments are of a different nature from 
flesh or skin, and, when wounded, cannot be healed 
without the assistance of strong stimulants, and even 
caustics :* but these must be used with great cau- 
tion, for when they are so clumsily employed as to 
enter the cavity of the joint, the most violent inflam- 
mation will ensue. Some of the old farriers appear 
to have known the utility of caustics in these wounds : 
but mistaking the principle on which they acted, of- 
ten injected liquid caustics into the joint, and thereby 
brought on the most excructating torments. Some- 
times their patients were destroyed by the fever 
which followed ; more frequently, however, the joint 
became stiff or immovable, as we have before des- 
cribed; and the wound healed. Other farriers, pre- 

* It has been supposed, that the violent pain and inilamination, which 
follow the wound of a joint, are caused chiefly by the admission of air into 
the cavity, and a deficiency of synovia or joint oil, by which the two surfa- 
ces are exposed to friction. It is certain, however, that in these wounds 
there is much more svnovia formed than usual ; which may be known by 
the quantity that flow's from the wound. This increased formation of sy- 
Bovia, however, continues only a cei'tain time ; after a time the congula- 
ting lymph is poured out, which, becoming solid, obliterates the cavity ; but 
in large wounds of the principal joints, tlie animal is often destroyed bf^i 
fore this happens, by the symptomatic fever which comes on. 



fering to employ the soliU caustics, and failing in 
their attempts to thrust them into the cavity of the 
joint, have applied them no farther than the orifice 
in the capsular ligament, and iiave by this fortunate 
failure efifected a cure without the loss of the joint. 
This plan, however, can only be adopted in wounds 
of a small size, or of the punctured kind, such as 
those inflicted with the stable fork : and fortunately 
wounds of joints are most commonly of this kind. 
But we sometimes meet with cases where the wound 
is of considerable size, and much lacerated : there is 
scarcely a possibility then of preserving the joint ; 
and if it happen to the larger joints, such as the hock 
and stifle, there is great danger of its destroying the 
animal. In such cases caustics are improper: they 
must be treated as deep lacerated wounds. But in 
the small punctured wound of a joint, the acifuaZ can- 
/e?'?/ (hot iron,) cautiously applied, has been found 
the most expeditious and effectual remedy. I have 
succeeded also, with the lunar ciustic (nitrate of 
silver.) Farriers somcti;ues employ the butter of 
antimony (muriate of antimony,) and ivlivte vitriol, 
(vitriolated zinc),^ they often inject some liquid 
caustic into the wound with a syringe, such as solu- 
tion of blue vitriol. The earlier the actual cautery is 
applied, the more speedily will it heal the wound : 
and it is particularly desirable to have it applied be- 
fore inflammation takes place in tlie joint. The iron 
should have a round' point, and be applied when at 

* I have heard a furrier boast of possessing a receipt ior^ joint humoicr 
or, as he termed it, for ^'for kiHinr a joint hmno-ur!'^ In sitirU wounds of the 
inferior joints, this man sometimes S'lcceeded. Upon exa'r.ining the rem- 
edy, I found it to consist chiefly oi" white ritriol, which indeed was the 
only active ini^cdient. This coarsely powdered, was put into the wound ; 
but as the man supposedits efRcacy depended upon its entering the cavity 
of the joint, and subduing this formidable humour, he of course took great 
pains to thrust it in with his probe. In large vvounds he generally succee- 
ded in his attempt, and destroyed either the joint or tlte animal: butju 
small wounds of the lower joints, he merely brought it into contact vath 
the wounded ligament, and thereby cften evfectcd a cure. 



7B 



a dall red heat ; the wound should bo so seared as 
to stop the discharge of joiut oil. It often hap- 
pensj that after a short time an oozing of synovia is 
again observed : in such cases the iron must be again 
applied, and repeated if necessary several times. I 
have sometimes succeeded ultimately, though the 
iron had been applied ineffectually twice or three 
times. When inflammation takes place in the joint 
the most powerful remedies should be expeditiously 
employed for its removal^, such as bleeding and purg- 
ing. Fomentations and poultices in such cases are 
not so useful as blisters^ which should be applied 
rather extensively about the joint ; but as long as 
the w ound in the joint remains open^ the inflamma- 
tion will continue ; therefore^ our principal object 
should be to close the wound. There is no external 
complaint which occasions such excruciating pain to 
the animal, as inflammation of a joint, particularly 
when it has proceeded so far as to ulcerate the bones 5 
several cases of which have come under my obser- 
vation. 



- wsii •','' 'SM*' "-■• 



Wounds of the Sheaths^ or Membranes sur- 
rounding Tendons, 

These requiire nearly a similar treatment to that 
we have just described, and, when of the small punc- 
tured kind, are more expeditiously healed by a ju- 
dicious use of the actual cautery, than by any other 
remedy. I'hese wounds also generally discharge 
something like syuovia or joint oil, and, if suffered 



S74 

to remain open^ are productive of very violent pain and 
inflammation. When they are so large as to render 
the caustic an improper application, tliey should be 
dosed as neatly as possible, and kept so by adhe- 
sive plaster and bandage. This plan is equally ap- 
plicable to similar wounds in joints ; and, if adopt- 
ed in time, will often be found very effectual : even 
when the actual cautery has been applied, and the 
wound seared so as to be closed, the adhesive plas- 
ter will be found a useful assistant, and will often 
prevent t!ie necessity of repeating the cautery. 1 
Lave known a wound in the knee joint soon healed 
by means of the sticking plaster alone. The tendons 
most liable to be wounded are the back sinews: but 
they are enclosed in a strong tendinous sheath, which 
like a joint, contains a small quantity of slippery flu- 
id, to render their motions ea'^y, and prevent the cohe- 
sions of the parts. About the fetlock joint, or rather 
above that joint, there are small sacs or little blad- 
ders, connected with the tendon and ligaments, 
which also contain this slippery fluid, and serve to 
facilitate motion in these parts. When a horse is 
worked too hard, these bladders contain an unusual 
quantity of the fluid or synovia, and appear swelled 
or puffed, constituting the disease termed wind galls* 
If these little bladders receive a wound, it is gene- 
rally followed by violent pain and inflammation ; and 
when improperly treated, a very obstinate lameness 
may be the consequence. In this case, nothing is 
more useful than the sticking plaster, provided the 
lips of the wound be neatly brought together before 
it is applied : but if the wound be of the small punc- 
tured kind, the actual cautery should be first applied. 
Great care however, is required in this case ; for if 
the iron be not applied very lightly, and its pointed 
end properly adapted to the size of the wound, it 
may do much mischief. Blisters are the best reme- 
dies for any swelling, that may remain after a wound 



■275 

ill the sheaiiis of tendons, or in joints ; and if one 
blister be found insufficient, a repetition of the reme- 
dy will generally succeed. The last kind of wound 
we have to describe, is one that happens more fre- 
quently than any other, and is more easily cured ; 
that is, a wound of a vein. When a vein is proper- 
ly opened, and afterwards carefully closed in the u- 
sual way, with a pin and a little tow, it almost al- 
ways heals by the first intention ; but when it is o- 
pened by a rusty hhuitjleam or lancet, and particu- 
larly when the instrument is driven with such vio- 
lence as to cut not only into, but through the vein, 
making thus an orifice both before and behind, it sel- 
dom heals so readily : on the contrary, inflammation 
taiies place w ithin the cavity of the vein, which gra- 
dually extends or spreads until either the wound is 
closed, or the vein obliterated, by the coagulating 
matter which forms within it. If the inflammation 
extend to the heart, the animal is instantly destroy- 
ed ; more commonly, however, the vein is soon plug- 
ged up, and ceases to convey blood. But even in 
this case the disease proves very troublesome ; in 
consequence of iha jugular' or neck veins being the 
principal channels, by which the blood of the head 
returns to the heart. This obstruction to the return 
of the blood causes a swelling of the large gland un- 
der the ear, to w hich the formation of matter is often 
a consequence. Sometimes the eye becomes inflam- 
ed ; and I have seen symptoms of ajjoplexy or stag- 
gers produced by this cause. If a horse be turned 
to grass in this situation, the inconvenience is consid- 
erably increased : the position of the head in grazing 
being unfavourable to the return of bh)od from thfc 
head. The inconvenience arising from a loss of the 
jugular vein is not however permanent* the smaller 
veins generally enlarge, and after a time, return the 
blood as readily as the jugular or neck vein did orig- 
inally. When this accident happens, the mischief 



276 

iiiay be perceived about the second day after bleeding 
— sometimes the day following that of the operation. 
^\^hen the orifice in the vein is large and particularly 
if tlie wound in the skin be but slightly closed, or if 
the iiorse happen to rub the pin out, the wound bleeds 
freely ; and though it be again pined up, the blood 
often bursts out after a short time. I have seen a 
case where tlie iiorse had been bleeding at intervals^, 
tliree or four days^ though the wound had been sev- 
»^ral times firmly pined up : this was very soon stop- 
ped by tlie actual cautery : bat the vein was oblitera- 
ted at that part, and a little way downv/ard and up- 
ward; and the swelling of the gland under the ear 
took place. When the orifice in the vein is but small 
or when the vein is not transpierced, but inflames on- 
ly from the orifice in the skin, having been imper- 
fectly closed, or from hair or blood lodging between 
the lipG of the wound, the first symptoms are swell- 
ing and an oozing of moisture from the wound. In 
this case the vein is often preserved, and the disease 
soon cured, by applying lightly the actual cautery, 
and by keeping the hors^ at rest. — It must not be 
supposed, hov.ever, that in every case of sv/elling af- 
ter bleeding the vein is inflamed : a slight swelling 
often takes place immediately after the operation, 
merely fromthe blood getting into the cellular mem- 
brane under the skin ; and this swelling is sometimes 
succeeded by an oozing of moisture from the woufd : 
but all this is soon removed by rubbins: on it a little 
SOU]) liniment. When the vein is reallv inflamed, 
theiti IS generally a discharge of blood so:iie time af- 
ter the operation : and if this do not happen, the swel- 
ling extends to the gland unJer the ear, the whole 
being extremely tender and painful, often rendering 
tlie horse almost incapable of masticating or swallow- 
ing. When the disease is improperly treated, or 
sufiered to take its own course, sinuses form by tl:e 
side of the vein ; so that the probe may be passed in 



various directions, generally upwfivd towards the 
gland, sometimes inward among the muscles of the 
neck. 

The actual cautery is undoubtedly the most effec- 
tual application at first ; but when the disease has 
been suffered to proceed so far as we have now des- 
cribed, it is necessary to keep the orifice open, that 
the matter may escape freely ; and, by injecting a so- 
lution of blue or white yitriol, cause it gradually to 
heal from the bottom. 

When the gland under the ear is much swollen, and 
very painful, a poultice should be applied ; but when 
the swelling f^els hard, and without tenderness, a 
blister is more effectual. 

In taking leave of this subject, which may appear 
to some of my readers to be spun out to an unneces- 
sary length, I must beg leave to observe, that wounds 
in general, more particular those of circu ascribed ca- 
vities, require so much care and consideration in or- 
der to he treated with success, as to convince me of 
the propriety of giving a detailed description of 
them. 



Diseases of the Ej/e. 

Among the various diseases to which dome-iiica 
iion and improper management have subjected the 
horse, those of the eye are more frequent and often- 
more obstinate than any other; and what makes tliis 
subject peculiarly interesting and important, is, that 
unless a horse's eye be absolutely perfect, he is Ha- 
We to start and stumble : and it is allowed that a 



^78 

horse, whose visual organs ai^e imperfect, is often 
more unsafe to ride than one totally blind. Anoth- 
er consideration induces us to make some additions 
to this subject, which is, that these diseases, when 
allowed to exist any time, or when improperly treat- 
ed, are scarcely ever cured ; and, though apparent- 
ly removed for a time, ultimately terminate in blind- 
ness ; whereas, by seasonably applying proper reme- 
dies, the eyes have been perfectly and permanently 
restored. When the disease first appears, our treat-, 
mentmust in some measure be guided by the state 
of the horse's condition, strength and age. Such as 
are young and in high order require at first both 
bleeding and purging; but eld horses, particularly 
when low in condition, cannot bear the loss of much 
blood, or the operation of a strong purgative ; still 
local bleeding is proper, and a dose of laxative me- 
dicine. The local bleeding consists ir opening t!-:e 
vein which appears to proceed from the inner corner 
of the eye, or in scarifying the inner surface of the 
eye-lid. This operation is proper in all circumstan- 
ces. 

Horses of the former description often require a 
repetition both of the bleeding and purging, with a 
,co:ding diet and frequent exercise. The most essen- 
itial local remedy is blistering the cheek and temple, 
so as to create a considerable discharge; and if the 
first application be not sufficiently powerful, let the 
part be washed with soap and water, and a fresh 
blisterlaid on. I have found this far more eS'ectual 
than setons or rowels, and have now grea er depen- 
dence on it than on any other topical remedy.* 
When tlie inner surface of the eye-lid appears unusu- 

* In blistering tlie cheek, It is neces'^nvy to pr^^vent the liorse from rub- 
bing it off about tlie manger or other parts, as he tlicn gen< rHliv gets some 
of it into his eye, whereby the influminat.ioix \s coiij-'-ler:ii)iy increased, and 
the eye lids are often so su'olleor fi-om this cause, that total blindness is pro- 
AOfffad for several da^^s. The »eton is on this account often preferred. 



279 

ally red, it is more particularly proper to scarify it 
with a lancet, during the first stage of the complaint, 
while the eye is extremely irritable, and the inflam- 
mation considerable. 

The following lotion may be frequently applied 
with a soft spunge ; but no force should be employ.-. 
€d to ^ei it under the eye-lids ; 

« 

EYE WATER. 

No. 1. 

Tincture of opium, - S dr. 

Water of acetated litharge, 1 dr» 

Pure water^ - - 8 oz. 



Mix. 



/ 
No. ^. 



Ext. of hyosciamus or hen-bane, i dr. 
Pure water, - - 8 oz. 

Rub them together in a mortar, pouring on the water 
gradually; and, wheii perfectly mixed, add, of the 
Water of acerated litharge, - 1 dr. 

When the inflammation abates, and the liorse be- 
gins to open the eye more perfectly, we often observe 
a cloudiness on the surface, sometimes so considera- 
ble as to intercept the light, and prevent vision. 
This, hovr ever, may soon be removed by putting into 
the eye some stimulating powder, or by washing the 
eye with a solution of white vitriol, two or three 
drams to eight ounces of water. When by these 
means the disease has been removed ; we should 
carefully guard ai^ainst its recurrence, by exercising 
the horse rcOTlarlv, and avoiding: such tliinsis as mav 



S80 

suddenly suppress or check perspiration. Moder= 
ate feeding too and good grooming are necessary. 
By continuing this kind of management, the eye will 
gradually recover its strength ; but if these precau- 
tions be neglected, the disease generally returns ; 
for though the eye appears to be quite recovered, it 
cannot be supposed that so delicate an organ, can be 
suddenly restored to its original strength after such 
an attack. As horses are too frequently treated im- 
properly, it is not to be wondered at, that this disease 
should so often return after having been apparently 
cured ; nor ought we to attribute it to any peculiarity 
in the constitution of the horse, or in the structure of 
his eye. The disease we have now been describing 
is that which arises from some internal cau^e, either 
a general fulness of the system, or partial determina- 
tion of blood to the eye, in consequence of suppressed 
or diminished perspiration. When the eye becomes 
inflamed from a blow, a bite, or any external injury, 
it is generally soon cured, merely by washing the 
eye with the above lotion ; but when the injury is 
considerable, bleeding and purging, and particaltirly 
local bleeding, are also necessary. 

When the eye itself is wounded, so that the hii- 
inoiirSf as they are termed, run out from the wound, 
blindness must be the consequence. But if the sur- 
face of the transparent part or glass of the eye be 
slightly scratched only, and the whole surface or part 
of it become opaque, or have 2ifilm as it is commonly 
termed inconsequence, such opacity is often remov 
ed by throwing under the eye-lid some stimulating 
powder, such as salt. If this fiiil, a little iinely livi- 
gated glass, mixed with honey, may be put under the 
eye-lid, by which it will soon be diffused over t lie 
surface of the eye. In these cases, however, such 
applications are not to be used, until the violent in- 
flammation, which the accident occasions, has fibated. 
Among the various diseases of the eye, described bv 



^81 

writers on farriery, there is one which they term 
moon-hllndness, from its supposed periodical recur- 
rence. This complaint is considered incurable, per- 
haps justly 5 but 1 have little doubt that it might be 
prevented. When the eye becomes inflamed from an 
internal cause, and the inflammation is allowed to 
exist for any time, a weakness of the part is the con- 
sequence ; and though the inflammation be removed, 
the weakness will continue. But if the causes which 
first produced the complaint be avoided, or, in other 
words, if the horse be properly exercised, fed and 
groomed, the part will gradually recover its original 
strength : if, on the contrary, as soon as the inflam- 
mation is gone off, the exciting cause be again appli- 
ed, the eye will more readily become diseased than it 
did at first ; being in a weak state, and consequently 
more irritable, or susceptible of inflammation. The 
second attack will of course increase the weakness or 
disposition to disease ; and after this the case maybe 
justly deemed incurable. After repeatetl attacks the 
interiour parts of the eye become diseased, and at 
length a cataract or incurable blindness takes place. 
It often happens, however, that the eye continues in 
this fluctuating state some time. In some cases a ca- 
taract forms rather suddenly. 

I have often met witii cases, where a small speck 
or opacity formed in the crystalline humour, and con- 
tinued witiiout alteration for twelve months. In one. 
case no alteration happened in two years ; but this 
speck or opacity, in the inner humour or crifstalline^ 
always hinders vision in some degree, and is fre- 
quently the cause of a horse's starting. 



m-^ 



282 

Locked Jaw, 

1 have lately met with a case of locked jaw, that 
appeared to have been caused by a wound in the foot, 
which was completely cured by the following treat- 
ment. — Upon examining the horse, I found the 
wound in the foot nearly healed ; the jaws so closed 
that he could not even take food into his mouth, tho' 
he was constantly endeavouring to do it, and appear- 
ed very hungery, having been incapable of eating 
any thing about twenty-four hours before I saw him 5 
the muscles of the neck were in a natural state, 
though the jaws were so closed as to prevent his ta- 
king food into his mouth 5 the teeth were not abso- 
lutely in contact : and w^e were able, but w ith great 
difficulty, to introduce gradually a large dose of opi- 
um and camphor. When we first attempted to give 
this draught, the animal appeared so agitated and 
resisted so much, that it required the assistance of sev- 
eral men to give it. As soon as the medicine was 
given, a strong blister v/as applied to the spine, 
or middle of the back, begining at the withers, and 
continuing it the whole length of the spine, even to 
the basis of the tail : the blisier was carefully rubbed 
in, and afterwards afresh qupjitity was spread upon 
it, in order to expedite its action. A caustic was 
then applied to the wound in the foot. In about six 
hours we endeavoured to give some strong gruel, and 
found much less difficulty in doing it than in giving 
the medicine at first. The jaws, however, were still 
nearly close, and some dexterity was required to 
pour the gruel into the throat. Soon after this anoth- 
er dose of opium and camphor was given, and water- 
gruel several times. During this time the jaws ap- 
peared to be rather more open, and there was less 
difficulty in giving the gi^ael. About twenty-four 
hours aHer the application of the blister, during which 
time he hed taken two strong doses of opium and 



S83 

caiiiplior iiiid some gi iiel^ the horse was able to ffeed, 
and even to eat hay. Another dose, but weaker, of 
opium and camphor was given; the complaint did 
not return. The fatality of this disease in horses^ 
and the consideration that a clearly stated case be 
more closely followed than a general description of 
the treatment, have induced me to give a detailed ac» 
count of this successful case. 



Fever, 



In the former editions of this work^ fever was con- 
sidered either as ft si nple or original co uplaint, aris- 
ingfrom suddenly suppressed or checked perspira- 
tion, or as a symptvnatic or complicated disease, de- 
pending upon an a^ection of one or more of the inter- 
nal organs, or their membranes. In both cases hleeth 
ing Avas recommended as an essential remedy. My 
practice since that ti use has not given me reason to 
change this opinion materially ; but as some modern 
writers on farriery, have described another kind of 
fever, termed putrid, or tfiphus^ in which bleeding is 
extremely injurious, I think it necessary to state the 
observations, which an extensive practice has sugges- 
ted to me on this subject. The grand characteristic 
of fever 1 conceive to be, an unusually quick pulse, z. 
e, from seventy to an hundred in a minute ; a peculi- 
ar kind of sensation which it gives to the finger, a» 
if it were struck sharply by the vibration of a cord^ 
and at the same time a feebleness, or s mall aess, quite 
different from that gradual swell of the healthy pulse. 



^81 

When a horse labours under considerable debility^ 
either from hard work, want of sufficient food, or oth- 
er cau .cs except fever, the pulse is more or less lan- 
guid or weak ; sometimes slower, at others a little 
quicker than usual ; still, however, it sw ells gradual- 
ly, and does not give that sensation we have descri- 
bed, and which physicians term hardness. 

liifever there is either a total loss or a diminution 
of appetite, and the animal appears to be in pain ; the 
natural evacuations (dung and urine) are generally 
deficient; and upon lifting the eye-lid, we general- 
ly find it unusually red. The mouth feels hotter^ and 
the tongue is commonly dryer than usual. 

In simple debility or weakness, whether it be oc- 
casioned by hard work, or any other cause except 
fever, the mouth and tongue are in their natural sta4e^ 
the pulse, though weak and sometimes not easily felt 
if we press much upon the artery with the finger, 
does not give that sharp hard stroke whicli character- 
ises /6?rer; the horse readily sweats ; and when the 
weakness is considerable, the ears and hind legs will 
feel rather cold^ and his flanks generally move quick- 
er than usual. If blood be drawn, it will be found 
very different from that of a horse labouring;' under 
fever or inflammation. (^Qe Bleeding.) The appe- 
tite, though diminished, is not quite gone ; the inner 
surface of the eye-lid is seldom unusually red, often 
less so than in health ; and the horse does not ap- 
pear to be in pain. Though bleeding in such cases 
is extremely injurious, a mild laxative is useful, un- 
less the dung be softer and in greater quantity than 
natural ; and if there he a deficiency of urine, or any 
difficulty in voiding it, a diuretic, composed of cam- 
phor and nitre, should be given. This symptom, 
however, seldom occurs in these cases. After the 
laxative, tonics, w ith a nutritious diet and good groom- 
ing or nursing, generally restore the animal in a short 
time to health. This disease is sometimes mistaken 



285 

for fever, and treated improperly ; they are cases of 
this kind, however, that f^irriers so frequently cure 
under the name of fever by medicines of the cordial 
or tonic kind. 

I never sav/any kind of fei?er, in which bleeding 
and generally laxatives v/ere not manifestly useful, 
if employed judiciously at an early period ; that is, if 
the quantity of blood drawn, and the strength of the 
laxative, were properly adapted to the strength of 
the animal and the violence of the disease, and em- 
ployed at its first appearance. Several cases have 
occurred where debility quickly succeeded the inflam- 
matory commencement, and rendered bleeding, some- 
times purging also, highly improper ; and it is per- 
haps such cases, that some writers have mistaken for 
the typhus, or low putrid fever 5 others appear to me 
to have copied their description of it from that given 
by writers on human diseases. 

Incases of simple debility I have found the follow* 
ing medicines of great use, giving the laxative in the 
first place if the horse be costive, or even if tlie bow- 
els be in a natural state ; during its operation, how= 
ever, it is advisable to give strong gniel instead of 
bran ma?hes. 

LAXATIVES. 

Baibadoes aloes, - 3 dr. 

Powdered canella, » 1| dr. 

Prepared kali; - - 1 dr. 

Mint Vv'ater, - - 8 oz. 

Mix for one drans;ht, 



^86 

TONIC. 

Yellow Peruvian bark^ 6 dr, 

Cascarilla, - • I dr. 

Powdered opiiira, - | dr. 

Prepared kali, - 1 sc. 

Sirup enough to form a ball for a dose. — It is often 
necessary to increase the proportion of bark, and 
sometimes of the other ingredients ; but when 
the horse becomes costive; the opium must be 
omitted. 



The most proper food on these occasions U good 
3v;83t cats; and the bast hay given freque^ tly in 
small quantities. The horse should be allowed to 
drink also frequently; his exercise should be very 
moderate ; and when the weakness is considerable, 
he should be allowed to exercise himself in a large 
stall or box, and not taken out until he gets strong- 
er. If he become costive, a clyster or even a mild 
laxative, may be given. I have met with a disease 
in colts of about two or three years old, in which tlie 
debility w as extremely obstinate. The disease be- 
gan with swelling about the chest and belly, great 
w eakness, diminished appetite, and rather a quick 
pulse, without the hardness characteristic of fever. 
In the most remarkable case of this kind, the colt 
(three years old) was attacked in the month of may 
while running in a fine piece of grass ; the first 
appearance of illness was his separating himself 
from his company, standing with a dejected ap- 
pearacne^ and not grazing as usual. When ex- 



S87 

amined, considerable swelling was observed about 
the chesty between the fore legs ; and when I saw 
hioi, the pulse was about sixty in a minute, yet soft : 
he did not refuse his food entirely, but appeared in- 
diff'erent about it ; nor was there any sym|)tom which 
indicated an affection of the internal organs. He 
voided his urine without difficulty, and in the usual 
quantity : but as the dung appeared harder, and in 
less quantity than i^ usual with horses at grasS; a 
weak laxative was first administered. He was ta- 
ken up and put loose into a cool stable, which open- 
ed into a large court, the door being left open ; lie 
was offered frequently young lucerne, clover, &c. and 
allowed to drink when he chose it. IMie swelling 
and weakness increased considerably ; a medicine 
composed of bark, vitriolated iron, (salt of steel) and 
a little canella, was therefore given, and a more nu- 
tritious diet allowed ; viz. gruel, arrow root powder 
boiled in the usual way v\ ith water^ and a handful of 
oats now and then. The tonic medicine so improv- 
ed his appetite, that he readily took a moderate 
quantity of this food ; jet the weakness continued^ 
the swelling increased, and the pulse remained in a 
low feeble state, but rather slower. The swellins: 
^Yas scarified, and a large quantity of water evacuat- 
ed, by which it was greatly diminished; the dose of 
tonic medicine was increased, and joined with diu- 
retics occasionally. His appetite improving, he was 
allowed to take an unlimited quantity of the most nu- 
tritious food, w hich was varied so as to keep up his 
appetite ; and by persevering in this plan about a 
fortnight, he appeared to be quite recovered. About 
a fortnight after this, the disease returned with great- 
er violence, the swelliiig extended all over the under 
part of the chest and belly, the pulse became very 
w^eak but n >t much quicker than before, and the an- 
imal was extremely feeble. By persevering in the 
use of the tonic medicines; and assisting them by 



288 " _ 

"1 
tlie most nutritious diet, such as strong gruel, new 

milk, oats, §'c. the colt perfectly recovered. I have 

wseen several cases of this dind, one of which proved 

fatal from the negligence of the owner, who did not 

supply the colt with a sufficient quantity of nutriment 

Avhich seems to be as necessary as medicine; and 

w hen a colt in this complaint refuses his food, I have 

found it necessary to drench him frequently with 

strong gruel, boiled arrov*^ root, sago or ^nilk. It is 

proper also to var^^ the food, so that the animal may 

be tempted to eat oftener than he would otherwise : 

for this purpose carrots, lucerne, §*c. are useful. 

The oats should be perfectly sweet; and should the 

colt be found to prefer tliein in a moist state^ they 

Riay be sprinkled w ith w ater. 



Jiljjidemic Fever- — or Distemper, 

The epidemic diseases of horses generally appear 
in the form oi ix. catarrh, or cold. The Hrst symp- 
toms are cough, heaviness of the head, the eyes often 
watery or a little inflamed ; sometimes there is a 
quickness of breathing ; and. the inflammation of the 
membrane which lines the throat, nose and windpipe 
is often so considerable as to cause a difficulty in 
swallowing ; the pulse is generally quicker than u- 
sual. If the proper remedies be not employed at 
this period, the horse becomes very weak, and con- 
siderable fever takes place; the appetite goes off, 
the cough and quickness of breathing increase ; anjl 
debility is so great, that the animal staggers in his 
walk. There is an offensi\ e discharge from his nose ;. 



389 



<«< 



and after lingering some time, the horse dies from a 
consumption. More commonly, however, a discharge 
of white iratter takes place from the nose, after the 
disease has continued a few days, by which the 
cough and other symptoms appear to he lessened ; 
but though the horse slowly recovers his health and 
strength, a troublesome and sometimes incurable 
cough remains. When the disease is properly treat- 
ed at its commencement, the horse perfectly recovers 
in a short time, unless the attack is very violent ; and 
even then by judicious management the cough as well 
as the other symptoms, may be cured. 

IrYhen ^n epidemic happens, horses should b© 
carefully w^atched ; and on the first appearance of 
any symptoms of the disease, the horse should be 
bled moderately, unless he is in low condition, or 
previously exhausted by hard work, old age, or un- 
wholesome food. After bleeding, give the following 
laxative, and let Uie horse's diet consist of bran 
mashes, sweet hay, and a very small quantity of 
oats. When the attack is moderate, these remedies 
are generally sufficient to effect a cure, taking care to 
prevent a relapse by nursing, and giving every day 
a dose of so^e antimonial preparation, of which 
that which resembles Dr. James's fever powder is 
the best. 

But when the inflammatory symptoms are at first 
violent, when there is a quickness of breathing, sore- 
ness of the throat, and distressing cough, a blister 
to the throat is necessary : and unless weakness for- 
bids, bleeding even to three quarts is proper. A 
laxative is always beneficial at first, if the bowels be 
not already too open ; after which the antimonial 
with nitre is to be given daily. Warm clothing, and 
frequent hand rubbing to the legs, are useful; but a 
close stable is injurious. The horse should be turn- 
ed loose into a large stall : and if a discharge from 
the nose appear, let it be encouraged by causing the 

25 



290 

Vapour of warm water to pass through the nosti-iU, 
and clothing the head and ears. When the disease 
from being neglected or improperly treated at first 
aharming, and the weakness considerable, nothing 
but tonic medicines and a nutritious diet can do anv 
good. 



LAXATIVE. 




Barbadoes aloes, 
Tartarized antimony, 


a dr. 
1 dr. 



Mix first with ahout 4 oz. of w arm water ; and then: 
add 'ii oz. castor oil. To be given at one dose. 



Molten Grease. 

Thi^alsois a disease of the intestines, and gene- 
rally dependant on some constitutional affection. 
Horses that have been well fed and had but little ex- 
ercise are more liable to this complaint. Though 
such horses appear sleek and fat, they are not lit for 
violent or long continued exertion, unless brought 
to it gradually ; therefore, w lien suddenly put to 
work in this state, and particularly if employed in 
hunting or other violent exercises, a fever is often the 
consequence, which commonly depends upon gene- 
ral inHammatioa or increased action of the ^^ hole ar- 
terial system. In this disease, nature sometimes 
makes an effort to remove it ; that is, a violent purg- 
ing takes place ; the mucus, which is constantly for- 
med upon the inner surface of the bov/els in order to 
lubricate and protect them from the action of oy ac- 
rimonious matter that may happen to be j)assing 
through, is now formed in greater fjuautity, and is 
often so abundant as to appear something like fat 
mixed with the dun":. When blood is drawn from 
u, horse in this state; a large quantity of the iaiiam- 



S91 

Kiatory crust (the coagulable lymph, or buff coloured 
jelly, before described) appears on its surface.^ (See 
Bleeding.) 

Molten greise, therefore, is not to be considered 
as a (lisiinct disease; but only as a symptom, which 
sometimes appears in general inflammation, or fever : 
it happens more frequently, however, in the latter* 
When a horse la!)ours under fever or general inflam- 
mation, we most commonly find some of the internal 
orsrans more affected than others. When there is a 
difficulty of breathing, the flanks moving with unusu- 
al quickness and the nostrils expanded, it indicates 
an affection of the lungs : when molten grease ap- 
pears, it shows, that the mucus membrane of the bow- 
els is more particularly affected : sometimes both 
these pnrb> ra'a affected at the same time. The prin- 
cipal rem&dy inthis disease is copious bleeding, ac- 
cording to age, strength, and other circumstances of 
the caBC. (^^e? Bleeding and Fever.) It is often ne- 
cessary to repeat the operation : oily laxatives, are 
to be given, and rowels inserted in the chest and bel- 
ly, if the lungs be the principal seat of the disease; 

* AccorJing" to IMr. John Lnrrencc, molten grease consists in a coIHqua« 
tioTj or general melting- of the fat of the body, great part of -w-hxh is ab- 
sorbed, and thrown upon the bJood and upon the intestines, whence it ig 
voided with the excrement. Mr. Blaine, in his Treatise on Veterinary 
IVI'xlicine, has called this explanation of the disease an sbsurdity ! and tho' 
I fee! all due respect for the efforts of Gibson, Bracken and Bartlet, as well as 
for their commentator and panegyrist, Mr. John Laurence, I am compell- 
ed by experience and the knowledge 1 have obtained of the animal econo- 
my from the valuable instructions of those eminent teachers Dr. Baillie, 
Messrs. Cline, Abernethy and Cooper, to acknowledge that Mr. Lawren- 
ce's description is really an absurdity, and affords a convincing proof of his 
incom[jeteney either to teach or practice the Veterinary Art. 

1 am sorry to find myself under the necessity of makingthis remark ; but 
as an opinion so erroneous must lead to practical errors, 1 feel it a duty so 
to do. And I must beg- leave to add that what Mr l^awrence has since 
written on the disease, his explanation of what he terms ^\\ inadvertent in- 
accuracy in his description, his satirical remarks on Mr. Blaine, and his at- 
tempt tosliow, that .VJr. Blaine, in his explanation of the disease, meant to 
offer it to the world as a discovery of his own, and that Osmer who wrote 
about 1765 had anticipated him, appears to me a stronj^ confirmation of 
Mr. Blaine's accurate knowledge of the animal economy, and of Mi'. La^v- 
Tenoe's total ignorance of the subject, 



29^ 

and the sides may be blistered, or the mustard em- 
brocation rubbed on the sides and belly. In moltf^n 
s;rease, or when the bowels are afiected, if there be 
a copious purging, let no attempt be made to suppress 
it ; rather let it be encouraged by giving frequently 
decoction of linseed, gum Arabic dissolved in water .; 
starch, or the powder of arrow roo', boiled in water. 
When the dung is voided in small quantity, hut fre- 
quent, particularly if there be any knobs mixed with 
it, give a pint of castor oil, v hich may be repeated if 
necessary about two days after. In this case also it 
Mill be proper to rub the mustard embrocation on the 
belly. Should the disease continue after this, and 
particularly if there be consider?ible irritation about 
the amus, the horse iVeqnently ejecting a small quan- 
tity of excrement, and appearing to suffer much j)ain, 
the opiate clyster may be given. If this appear rath- 
er to increase than remove the pain and irritation, 
the dose of castor oil must be repeated, and a clyster 
tfirown up, composed only of a little water- gruel and 
a little oil.* 

Mr. Blaine, in his treatise on Veterinary Medi- 
cine, describes this disease somewhat differently, and 
considers it to be the same as the hnman dysentery. 
I must confess, however, that during an extensive 
practice often years, I have never met with a single 
case that resembled the dysentery described by medi- 
cal authors. 1 have often observed, during the ])ro- 
gress of symptomatic fever, internal in^ammation, 
mucus mixed with the dung, which had sometimes 
the appearance of part of one of those long white 
"Worms so often found in horse'^ bowels 5 at others it 

* It is n^cef;^^ary on this cccas'on, particularly, to be cnrefn] in exh-bit'Dt; 
the clyster, as the gut is so extremely irritable and tender, that if tlie pij.e 
be rous^h, and introtluced without caution it may rather do harm tlia.i af- 
ford rchef: therefore let the pipe be perfectly smooth, covered witli oil or 
];ird,and not forced in with violence : it is probable that a small short tube 
ofbone, about three tmies the bidk and length of the pipe v.scd in human 
medicine^ would be prefcrab!e on this occasion to tliat comniouly employed 



resembled a membrane. I have observed the same 
thing in horses apparently healthy, or after the oper- 
ation of very strong physic. I have also seen many 
cases, where there was tenesmus, or considerable ir- 
ritation in the rectum, the horse frequently voiding 
a small quantity of dung, and appearing in pain. But 
this was always eitlier a symptom of some more im- 
portant complaint, and easily removed, or the effect 
of physic, and very unlike dysentery. (See Inflam- 
mation of the Lungs and Bowels^ and Symptoma- 
tic Fever. 

OPIATE CLYSTER. 

Opium, - - 1| dr. 

Warm water, - 8 oz> 

Mix. 

To this add about a quart of starch water ; that is 
starch boiled in water in the usual way, and of 
a proper consistence for a clyster. 



Diseases of the Urinary Organs. 

Suppression or stoppage of urine may arise from 
several causes. It generally takes place when hor- 
ses are attacked with flatulent colic, and is then im- 
properly considefed as the cause of that complaint; 
but when the colic is removed, the horse stales free- 
ly. In obstinate cases of suppression, where i\i^ 
htorse has not been observed to stale for two or three 

25* 



291 

days, it is necessary to examine tlie bladder, wbicli 
may be easily done by introdnciog the band into the 
rectum or straight gut, tlirougb which tbe bladder is 
readily felt when distended with urine : when the 
bladder is found in this state, an evacuation must be 
speedily obtained, or the animal may be destroyed. 
In mares there is no difficulty in introducing a cathe- 
ter, or hollow tube, into the bladder, through which 
the urine will flow out. In a horse this operation is 
not practicable, on account of the great length and 
curvature of the passage: it has been recommended 
however, in such cases, to introduce a bougie, or 
long smooth probe, into the passage, and to pass it 
forward, until it arrives at that part where the prin- 
cipal curviture is : that is^ about two or three inches 
below the anus. The probe being held steadily in 
this situation by an assistant^ the operator is to make 
an incission carefully, so as to cut upon the top of the 
probe, and lay open the passage. This being done, 
a hollow tube, even the linger^ may be readily pass- 
ed into the bladder, and let out its contents. 

In making this incission^ the skin is to be drawn 
on one side, so that when the operation is finished, 
and the urine evacuated, the opening in the urethra, 
or passage, and in the parts which cover it, will not 
correspond ; and the opening in the former will be 
completely covered. Without this contrivance a fis- 
tulous opening would remain during the horse's life : 
indeed such a consequence is to be apprehended, in 
whatever way the operation is performed ; but fortu- 
nately such obstinate cases of suppression very rarely 
occur. 

When the bladder upon being examined through 
the rectum, is found empty, or when it cannot be felt 
at all, the suppression must depend on a disease of 
the kidneys. When these organs are much inflamed, 
they cease to form urine, or form it only in very small 
quantity J but the most common cause is a gradual 



/^63 

decay of the kidney. (See Ivflammaiion of the kid- 
ney.) This is known by the horse having become 
thin and weak gradnally ; having been attacked be- 
fore with similar complaints but in a less degree 5 
having been observed to move his hind legs awkward- 
ly in trotting ; and giving way when pressed upon 
the loins. When it is clearly ascertained, that the 
suppression of urine arises fmm this cause, and par- 
ticularly if the horse be old, and extremely feeble^ 
there is no chance of recovery : and death soon ter=^ 
minates his misery. It may happen, however, that 
the kidneys cease to perform their ofiice, or<Io it im 
perfectly from other causes, without having suffered 
an alteration or decay in their organization or struc- 
ture. In such cases, provided no" symptoms of in- 
flammation exist, the following drink may be giveri;, 
j^nd repeateil when necessary. 

Balsam of capavi^ - f oz. 

Mint water, - -• IS oz. 

Mix for one dose. 
it may be necessary on some occasions to give a, 
larger quantity of the balsam : it is advisable, how- 
ever, to begin with a small dose, and carefully watcli 
its effect : if it appear to increase the animaFs pain^ 
without causing an evacuation, there is reason to sus- 
pect, that some mistake has been made as to the 
cause of the suppression : and the symptoms should 
1)6 again carefully investigated. It has been obser- 
Ted before, that suppression of urine is most common- 
ly occasioned by spasm in the neck of the bladder, 
and sometimes by an accumulation of hard excrem- 
ent in the rectum. In the former case, the camphor- 
ated ball soon affords relief : in the latter, it may be 
obtained by drawing out the hard excrement with 
the hamd; clysters and a laxative. 



2Q& 

We sometimes observe horses frequently eiidea 
vouring to stale, voiding only very small quantities, 
and that with some degree of pain or straining. Such 
symptoms depend on a diseased irritability or tender- 
ness of the bladder, so that when only a small quan- 
tity of urine gets into it, it immediately contracts, in 
order to squeeze it out. It may sometimes depend 
on the urine being unusually strong or acrid : in ei- 
ther case the following drink may be given, and the 
horse should be allowed to drink freely. If he re- 
fuse to drink, he should be drenched frequently with 
water gruel, decoction of linseed, marshmallows, 8j*c, 
If he be costive give castor oil and clysters. This 
disease is commonly occasioned by blisters^ the can- 
tharides of which they are composed being absorbed 
into the circulation. 

THE DRAUGHT OR DRINK. 

Camphor, - 4 | to 2 dr. 

Powdered opium, - | dr. 

Gum Arabic, dissolved 

in warm water, 

Mix for one dose. 



4 oz. 



And let it be repeated if the sfymptoms continue, 
about twelve hours aftet, giving during the interval^ 
gum Arabic disssolved in water, decoction of linseed^ 
&c. From too great exertion in leaping, or from oth- 
er causes, a horse sometimes voids bloody urine. In 
such cases the mucilaginous drinks, composed of 
gum, linseed §*c. are pro[)er. It is necessary also 
to give the following draught, night and mornings 
until the urine assumes its natural colour. 



SD7 

Pomegi'aiiate bark;, - 1 oz. 

Water - 1 pint. 

Boil them about half an hour : strain oSTthe liquor^ 
and add, 
Powdered all am, - 1 oz* 

For one dose. 

If tliis prove ineffectual, add to it about a dram or 
two of vitriolic acid, or even more, provided it be so 
diluted with water, or the above decoction of pome- 
granate, as to do no injury to the throat : this point 
may be determined by dipping the finger into the 
mixture, and applying it to th^ tongue. If it be so 
your as to occasion some degree of pain, or a very 
unpleasant sensation, more water may be added. 

When the disease continues some time, there is 
danger of its proving fatal : the horse's strength 
must then be supported by the most nutritious diet ; 
and tonics, such as bark, with opium. Vitriolated 
iron may also be tried, warm embrocations may be 
rubbed upon the back or loins, or a warm plaster 
laid on it, composed of common turpentine, Eurgun- 
iJy pitch, and bee's w^ax ; four parts of the first, two 
of the second, and one of the third article. When 
the urine assumes a brown or coffee crdour, the pulse 
becoming very quick and weak, intermittent or ir- 
regular, and the animal getting gradually more fee 
ble, there is no chance of recovery. 



SS3 

Cough. 

This disease so frequently occurs^ and is so often 
i-cndered incurable by improper treatment, that it ap- 
pears necessary to give it a more particular conside- 
ration than we have done in the f nmer editions of 
ti is work. Catarrh or cold is generally the origin 
of those troublesome and often incurable coughs, 
which have been named chronic coughs. Some- 
lilies^ liowever, they depend on irritation in the sto- 
mach and bowels. When a horse catches cold as it 
is termed^ if the attack be not violent, it is seldom 
thought necessary to take him from his usual work ; 
he is bled moderately, takes a little nitre, and the 
complaint receives no further attention, except a bran 
mash now and then, witli nitre. By continuing hig 
^ork, and becoming occasionally exposed to wet and 
cold, there is constantly an undue determination of 
blood to the membranes of the throat, windpipe, §*c. 
or. in other words, the catarrhal inflammation is kept 
up by these means, till at length the membranes be- 
come thickened and irritable to sucli a degree, that 

the cold air, or the vaucmrs and dust of the stable, 
» . ' ' ' 

irritate the membrane of tiie windpipe, so as to ex- 
ci e coughing almost continually. When tlie isWlam^ 
mation has been but moderate, the irritability of these 
membranes will not be so considerable, and the horse 
will only cough now and then ; or wiien the maoi- 
brane is irritated by the food or v/ater, or by the dust 
of his hay or corn, or perhaps by too great a secre- 
tion of mucus. -^ 

* All these membranes are lubrxntcl by a mncous fiuid, v.b.ich is CDr> 
stant'y Ibi-ming- on t'leir siirtUcc. When perspiration is checked by expo- 
s'lrc To cold, an unusual quantity ofblood is tlirown upon theac membranes ; 
V bich cuiises a larg-er quantity of tbe mticoiis fluid to be foriT^cd. Hencd 
the discharge from the nose in catarrh : for as the horse bv?;;itlis on^y 
ihroii;^]^ the nostrils, tiie mucous discharged from the lunj^s by coiighincj 
does not pass into the mouth as in man, but into the nostrils. It is proba- 
ble, that the mr.ctis formed upon the membranes, \vl>en afi'ected with ca- 
tarrh, is rathej of an acrid or stimulating nature, from being' leaded '^ith 



s> 



99 



In violent cokb the inflammation of the membranes 
is often very considerable, so as to render swallow- 
ing painful and diilicuit, and cause a rattlins; in tlie 
head, as it is termed ; that is^from the increased se- 
cretion of mucus within the nostrils^ or from swelling 
of the membranes which lines them, the air is inter- 
rupted in its passage, causing a peculiar sound in 
breathing. In some cases the iailammation extends 
to the branches of the windpipe^ in consequence of 
which raanyof fhe liner branches are either partially 
or wh jliy plugged up^ by the coagulable lymph which 
is poured out. Soa;etimes there is so much coagula- 
ble lymph poured out in the windpipe as to render 
respiration dlfScuU, and causes that sonorous breath- 
ing which is technically c.illed roaring. When 
some of the braiicises of the windpipe are plugged 
up with coagulaied lymph, it c uises also quickness 
of breathing ; for the lungs i)eing now unable to con- 
tain so much air as they did before, the animal is obli- 
ged to inspire more frequently to make \M) the defici- 
ency. The cough in this case is very distressing and 
almost continual, and soineti nes recurs with so iuuch 
violence, that we feel a,?prehensive of its bursting 
some blood-vessel. Bi'oken wind is generally tho 
consequence of this stage of catarrh. (See Broken 
Wind.) When the complaint has proceeded thus far, 
there is no proh ability of curing it : bu^ if it be prop- 
erly treated at first, it scarcely ever runs such lengths ; 
it is therefore highly necessary to pay attention to 
colds, though they may appear trilling, and keep the 
horse from work until perfectly cured. Were this 
done we should seldom hear of incurable coughs, 
roaring, broken wind &c. — complaints now so com- 
mon, and so frequently the cause of disputes and law- 

Siliiie matter : this iadoed is sometimes so considera de, as to iafiame the 
*kiii of the lip over which it passes This happens also somctiinesin dis- 
eases of the eye, where the teavs or wAter from the eye ai'e so acrid, as to 
inflame tlie skin oftiie nose whicii it flaws over. 



300 

suits in tlie purchase and sale of horses. On the first 
attack of colt], let ihe horse be bled in proportion to 
his strength and the violence of the attack; then 
give a laxative, and let his diet consist of hay and 
bran mashes. As checked perspiration is commonly 
the cause of the disease, the head, ears, and whole 
body should be kept much warmer than usual ; a 
close stable, however, is improper. Warm water 
and warm mashes should be glveii frequently; and 
when the iiorse Is wisped or brushed, which should 
be done twice or three times a day, there should be 
an active man on each side for the purpose ; when 
they havefinisJicd, and replaced the clothes, let them 
rub the legs briskly for some time with their bare 
hands ; the horse should also be well littered, and 
as the straw becomes damp from his staling upon it, 
let it be immediately removed, and some fresh dry 
straw thrown in. After the operation of the laxa- 
tive, give one of the fever powders, or the following 
ball, every uigbt and morning. If it occasion pro- 
fuse staling, or purging, it should be given in smaller 
quantity, or less frequently, or discontisiued a day 
or two. When the symptoms do not abate after the 
bleeding and laxative, and particularly if the cough 
increase, and the horse appear to feel pain and diffi- 
culty in swallowing water, a strong blister should be 
immediately applied about the throat and under the 
ears, and the bleeding should be repeated. By these 
means the most violent colds are generally cured in a 
short time^ But when the complaint has been ne- 
gle(ted at first, or improperly treated, a discharge of 
white matter ofien takes place from the nostrils, and 
the horse beccmies very feeble. Under these circum- 
stances bleeding would be improper; but a very mild 
laxative may be given, unless the bowels are already 
open, and a blister to the throat is eminently useful. 
The discharge should be encouraged by steaming 
the fieadj thatis; by tying the horse's head to the 



301 

rack, and throwing a hot mash into the manger im- 
mediately under his nose. Strong gruel should he 
given freely to support his strength ; and the ball 
(No. 2.) every night. In the third stage of catarrh,, 
that is, when coagulated lymph has been thrown out 
upon the membranes of the windpipe or its branches, 
there is little chance of a cure.* 

The following expectorants may afford rome re- 
lief, however, and should therefore be tried. Blis- 
tering the throat has also been recommended ; but I 
have several times given it a fair trial without suc- 
cess. 

The next kind of cough to be described is that 
which seems to depend merely upon an unnatural de- 
gree of irritability of the membrane which lines the 
larynx, or top of the windpipe ; and may be distin- 
guished by being less violent, and not being accom- 
panied an unusual quickness of breathing ;t the 
cough generally comes on after drinking or feeding, 
particularly when the hay or oats are dry and dusty. 
This kind of cough is always more troublesome in a 
a close stable. 

A blister to the throat is useful in this case ; and 
if that be thought inconvenient, some warm embroca- 
''^ion should be rubbed about the throat and under 
t!ie ears twice a day, and the head and neck kept 
^^rm ; the hay and oats should be free from dust, and 
sprinkled with water. If the horse be inclined to 

*Iliave heard of three cases, where a horse, ha>nng'had that violent and 
distressing cough for some time, which iias been described in tlie text as 
a consequence of the third stage of catarrh, was spontaneously relieved, 
by coughing up a large piece of coagulated lymph. In one case the horse 
was galloped violently up a hill for the purpose : the cough which this ex- 
ertion occasioned was so violent, that the animal could scarcely stand ; at 
length a considerable quantity of coagulated lymph was discharged, and 
the horse, though supposed to be broken winded before, perfectly recov- 
ered. 

f It is supposed, that in some cases this kind of cough depends upon 
the stimulating quality of tlie mucous fluid, which is formed upon the part, 
litis advisable, therefore, to add to anodyne medicines such as are of an 
oily ot muciia^ijnous quality, which if no* '"fficagiou^ are certainly innocent 



30S 



eat liis litter, let him be muzzled ; if costive, give a 
mild laxative, and afterward the anodyne ball or 
draught every morning : moderate exercise is useful. 
It is sometimes difficult to cure this kind of cough ; 
and, Avhen apparently removed, it often returns from 
trifling causes. By persevering in the above mode 
of treatment, however, 1 have generally succeeded. 

With respect to the cough which is caused by 
worms in the stomach or bowels, it may be distin- 
o-uished by the general appearance of the animal; 
he is commonly hidebound, has a rough dry coat, and 
becomes thin, though well fed ; he appears dull, and 
is fati^'ued by moderate exercise. The most certain 
criteri1)n, however, of tlie existence of worms in the 
howels is the appearance of a white stain just beneath 
ihQ anus, or their being voided with his dung. 

This kind of cough is less violent but more fre- 
quent than the former kinds. (For the treatment of 
it; see Worms.) 

BALL FOU CATAERH. 

No. 1. 

Emetic tartar, ^ 1 f^i'* 

Powdered aniseeds, - 3 dr, 

Stirup enough to form a ball for one dosA^ ^ 

BAIX. 

No. S. 

Canella bark, powdered, H dr.^ 

Emetic tartar, - - ^i <5i'- 

Powdered opium from 1 sc. to 1 dr. 

Camphor, from | dr. to li dr.. 

Sirup and flour to form a ball for one dose. 



308 

EXPECTORANT BALL. 

No. 3. 



Oam ammoniacum^ from 3 to 5 di% 

Powdered squills^ 1 dr. 

Opium, - - i dr. 

Powdered ginger^ - 1 dr. 

Sirup enougli for a ball for one dose. 

EMBROCATION FOR THE THROAT. 

No. 4. 

Camp]] or, - -=1 tlr. 

Oil of turpcniinei >• ^ oz. 

Mix.— Add| 

Olive oil* » » •* oz, 

Birung water of ammoni% i o/;. - 

Mix. 

ANODYNE DRAUGHT. 

Oxymel of squills, - S oz. 

Opium, [mixed with 8 oz. of 

water,] from J dr. to 1 dr. 

Liuseed oil, - ^ oz- 

Mix for one dose, 

ANODYNE BALL. 

Opium, from i dr. to 1 i\i\ 

Camphor, - 1 dr. 

Powdered aniseed, - I oz. 

Soft extract of liquorice enough to form aball for 1 dos 



801 



On Shoeing, 



In describing the method of shoeing ^af and con- 
vex feet, a wide concave or hollow shoe has been re- 
commended in all the former editions of this book : 
I have to ack now ledge however my obligation to the 
honourable Newton Fellows, for suggesting to me a 
much better method of shoeing such feet. In flat 
convex or pumice feet (see plate 4. fig. 1,) the sole is 
so thin, as to be incapable of suffering pressure with- 
out giving pain to the animal, and causing him to go 
lame : and so flat or even convex as to be much expo- 
sed to pressure. The shoe commonly employed for 
such feet is wide and hollow, so that it bears only on 
the crust, a space being left between the sole and the 
other part of the under surface of the shoe. When 
the horse has travelled a short time on the road, this 
space becomes filled with dirt, graval, §*c. so that the 
sole is exposed to the same pressure, as if the shoe 
were fiat, or the horse without shoes ; it is obvious, 
then, that a shoe so narrow as to cover only the crust, 
and so thick as toraise it about three fourths of an 
inch from the ground, will more effectually protect 
the tender sole, than the wide hollow shoe ; unless 
the horse be going upon a hard even surface, or the 
rider frequently dismounting to pick out the dirt 
which accumulates under the shoe. I am convinc- 
ed from the trial made of this narrow shoe, both by 
Mr. Fellovvs and myself, that it will be found the 
best method of shoeing flat or convex feet ; and it 
appears to me very probable, that upon a fair trial 
it would be found the best shoe for general use. 
Perhaps even heavy draught horses would do bet- 
ter with it, than with the wide heavy shoe, which 
is now universally employed for them. It may be 
necessary to remark, that though the narrow shoe 
for covering the crust only wajs recommended by the 



305 

late Lord Pembroke^ and employed by his order ia 
his own regiment^ the First or Jloyal dragoons ; yet 
for its particular application to flat or convex feet I 
believe we are indebted to the honourable Newton 
Fellows. 

Perhaps I have dweltlonger on this subject^ than 
some of my readers may think necessary; but it 
should be recollected, that it is intended only for 
those, that are inexperienced in horses. It may be 
thought also, what I have written may tend to excite 
an unjust prejudice in the minds of those, to whom 
it is addressed ; or that it may make them over cau- 
tious, and induce them to reject horses without suffi- 
cient reason ; but, if v^^e take into consideration the 
many defects or diseases, to which horses are liable ; 
the difficulty of detecting them ; the numerous de- 
ceptions that are practised ; and the shifts and eva- 
sions sometimes resorted to ; I trust, that, in what I 
have written, the candid reader will not accuse me of 
having gone too far, or that it will excite an undue 
prejudice against the horse dealer. I am aware^ 
that there are men in that profession, who would de- 
scend to the deceptive practices I have occasionally 
hinted at ; but have no doubt, that there are also to 
be found among theni; men of integrity and honour. 



m^- 



INDEX. 



>9^Q, 



Anatomy and Pbysioloy of the foot, - 1"8 

Alteratives, - - . - - ^07 

Age of a horse, - - - ^^^ 

B. 

Bowels, inflammation of the - - 3S 

Bladder, inflammation of the - - 40 

Broken wind, . - - - 55 

Bruises, - - - - 1^0 

embrocation of the - - ^5i 

Broken knees, - - - ^^^ 

Bleeding, - - - - 19^ 

Blisters, . . - ^ S09 

C. 

Colic, how distinguished frorm inflammation 

of the bowels, . - - 86 

. ' . - . 61 

46 



Cold, 

Cough, - - - - . 48 

Curb .... 168 

Corns, - - - " ^^^ 

Canker, - ^ - - " 195 

Cutting, , - - - 197 

Clysters, - - - " ^^^ 

Condition;, ^ - - : ^^^ 



SOS 

Diabetes, or excessive staling, - - 87 

Diseases of the foot, ... 185 

Diuretics, .... 207 

E. 

Eye, inflammation of the - - 49 

F. 

Fever, - - " - 23 
powder, - - - - S5 

symptomatic - - - S6 

Farcy, description of - - - 107 

disease that may be taken for - 113 

nature and cause of - - 124 

treatment of . - - 133 

Fistula in the withers, - - - 153 

Fomentations, - - ■* 211 

Feeding, exercise and grooming, - 229 

G. 

Grease, . - - « 97 
Grease Molton - - ' 209 

Glandersj description of - - 103 

diseases that may be mistaken for 109 

nature and causes of - - 114 

experiments on - - 115 

test for distinguishing from other diseases 126 



attempts that have been made to cure the 129 

' experiments on the - - 137 

H. 

Heart, „ . - .. 7 

Hidebound^ , . - • 93 



309 

1. 

Internal organs^ structure and functions of the 4 

Inflammation, - ^ - 19 

• of the lungs, ... 28 

of the bowels, - _ . 32 

•- of the stomach, . - . 37 

of the kidneys, - . . 39 

of the bladder, • - - 40 

— of the liver, . - - 41 

of the eye, - - - . 49 

Internal, or sensible foot, - - 17^ 

J. 

Jaundice, or Yellowy, - - - 59 

K. 

Kidneys, inflammation of the - • 39 

L. 

Lungs, ... - 4 

inflammation of the - - 28 

Liver, inflammation of the - - 41 

Locked jaw, . - - - 53 

Lampas, - - - - 54 

Laxatives, . ^ . - 208 

M. 

Manger, - . . . 96 

Management of a horse during a journey, 245 

P. 

Purging, - - - - 86 

Poll evil, - - - - 155 

Physic, . . - - 202 

Poultice, . . ► - 212 



310 

Pulse^ - . - . ai3 

Q 

Quittor, . . . . jgg 

R. 

Roaring, - . . 54, 

Ring boues^ - - . 165 

Rowells, . ... gxs 

S. 

Stomach, inflammation of the >. 37 

Strangles, - . . 43 

Staggers, - . . 65 

mad - . -66 

•— cases of - - . 67 

— stomach or sleepy . - 68 

seltus on - - . 70 

•- cures of ... 73 

-^ observations on - 

by a surgeon, - - ^ ^Q 

— treatment of - * . 81 

cases of - - - 82 

Suppression of urine, . . 89 
Surfeit, - , ijj 
Saddle galls or warbles, - . 158 
Sitfasts, .- _ j;^9 
Strain, . _ l^g- 
of the shoulder, - - lOO 

ofthestiHe, . . iQ2 

of the hip joint, - . }22 

of the back siniew, - - 103 

Slents, - - - . l(5f^ 

Spavin, - - . . iQy 

Shoeing, - . . - 179 & 30i 

Sand cracks, - ' .. , jgi 

Stable management, - - - ^23 



3U 
T. 

Thorougk-pia/ - » - i65 

Thrush, ^ ^ - 193 

V. 

Viscera of the abdomen, - - 10 

W. 

Worms, - - - - 90 

Wounds, . - , - 147 

, observations on - - ^^1 

^ simple incised, - - ^^^ 

, lacerated and contused - - ^^3 

punctured, - ' ^^1 



Windgalls, . „ J. . 166 



J'/atc /. 



M.''Col€fiia/u Tatc?i^ S/wc 




lBXe,t,>U- ,<ca/p Phdt 






J'/'cf/e.'i 




The old sc/cH' Shoe 





£BJ,W<//? .vcif//> I^/u/ ■ 



P/at^ 3. 





IBJ^erujfe ^•rtilf P/il/! 




Fit/. 2. 




T.B.Jfeaf//e .scnlf> 



2'hitf (>'. 




The sensible Foot._aaa T//^ M/'j/v/e J^rvi/ \)\i fJu ,fc'n^ui.'<' 
Bdr.x. oec f/ie seris/fi/t' Self 



IBA'^ui)/, srui/' /'/// " 



7y./A 




The internal suiface of the HooF and S ole . ^ a ///^ /^.v^// 
■/uifi'f/ .yn/'stancH.h the ffrotne frr //,f CvrviNirv Jiiiu;. e //ir 7,,/rr- 
/ui/ .uir/iire f>/ t/ie /lorm Sr/f. d t/i,' mtrr/iH/'.ui/rac- o/ t/,r /nt 
n\ J'rot/ . 



l.By,.„,,u Sat/f r/i,/ ■ 



/'/<//r // 




A StMtii.ii of \\\y' toot . ;« /xir/ i</' l/u fiin/i /'<i.'<l<ni hi ii> \>f/i< .uii,i// 
/',is/,T/i : <■■//!<■ ('<'//!/! /'r/i,\ i\ //,,■ .V,iv/ra/ii 1/ .V/f/ />f//r V ///I- /hy/. \'//ir 
Si>/r Id///' ('/■//■</ //ii /;</ ////, /;■/>(',, /I ////' (lusf iiiitl Ci//iii /if/i,- ir/'/v-un/.s- 
//ii- /,i/jii/i,i/<,f .s///>x/(m<( lii /// /''/,. irr 7t//,/i'// /'/■/></<■/, Si/mf. \k//ii /I'l/h- 
i/ti.if/r .\///i.^/ti/iii /ii'//r,f/i //if /■'/r,/ ,///i/ /'i/i/r Si/iiir. 



//MVv////,-'.l, ////'/'////. 



Plnff I] . 




^ 



Al)ackvJew oftlie Bones, Ligaments, and Tendons -uaa t7ie 
/'iir/c Siiieii .hiU- ,.7/w///. ec f/i,' /,rfy-m/r„//77,u/,.y. <i///' /v/V./.v ,/ ///, 



//lX,„;,/r .W,,/,. /■/..,/ • 



fla/r /(} 




Aback vii-vv of'thc I'jont- s.J.igmneiils, mid Ten<lt)ns //i, '/://,/,-//a- //,/rm,/ A,;/ 
renioivii iii ,'n/tr to s/ini.- f//f/,r,f,i//t,/U.s t/i,i/ /,,■ /////h,;//,i/,A ■ ////,/,/■ ///-/// . a /// 
jnuH>t/i sw/i/cf oi'i/- ir//i<// //it- /,/,/• ;>y//,-;< /va.vv..-, h fiAtr /n/,i/j/^//t „/iir// /-//r/uv., 
/■/If 6iicA- Stiifif. /o/7/iiyi(/ II ,^Ai-<i<ii /or lA, ii/i,A A,ir/>i/i// lAt/t ifi>- &//>/,i//o/i .■ i// 
fAit,f pre/i,uiiAo/i .u>/ii//i,irf i>/Wi,- Ai/num/a ii;i^- /r//ioii;A I'/i o/;A'r An .fAfir /A, 
.'■■//lootA ,v//r/iii'i' a: tklcl // Aiff<i/n<-/iA,/oi/i,/r/o//i AAf .y-(:\;i//ioAA Aio/ii:^- Ai fAii' ,\oi,iAA 
PfisAf//! ; fAv IMC ,f,Y//i.<- Ao A,- fA<i/of'i//i//i,f .it/r/t/f/A Ao AAt' lit,\Ai-//i JoijiAuAiiA /Aof/i 
tAf oAA</iu- poiiAvii 07 '/Ai<- /'iikAi/ii Ajo/if'.\- iiotiAA ofAuvitufi- Amrr An-ti irrrr i/i.trr/i/r 
J A, ■1,1 If fAii.i Ai,/,a/ii'iiA i.< .<.oiii,-A'/)i,v A>/oAi'ii in 1 loAi'/it .\A;ii/ix ,>/■ 11 A^ii ,1 AA'/:^>- 
/,!■ ,■•■,11, A to /v Ar,>Af'/i lA'ifii . 



Flale 11. 




A Front vifA%' ot'tUe Bones . aa t/ic ^fcstuiivo/ Btiiif^\ b f/ic /nn/e 



l.BN'e.wl,- S,;,/f' y/ii/- 



I'hih n . 




-Aback view oftlic Boiics -aw //w si'sat/i/'iff /3(i/tt',s, 
liuthonc, c ffic /w/to/// o/'/At' (h//ut /iniw . 



r.S.V.,i,,f, ■■;,„//> F/,,7:' 



F/at<- /,■}. 










/'/.I/,- J I . 



r ///<■ r'Ac^/f .j//<f/f^/y mf f rr/r /'/^r ,y^n>,/r 



L ;■//..■ Tetfh ('/ ' 3 Ueek.<. State v/ \i Cc/ts Teeth /rem SMviitlhi ( Wf,s- 'J'erlh i'/ ' o Mi'iit/i.t. 

to 3 Years . 





AtAei'uieen . C /Ae Comers. 

B tAe SefrnUers . D t/it Tusks cr Tus/ies. 







fP Xeaol'- /rulr /'/'//." 



n 



J'/afr/i^ 



/'/(/ / 




J'ur S 




^■'ii'''ii|.!l!lJ,|ii,!il>litSP 




/;;,/ Aperlcol Hoofhi h state of Nature..aV/< .1^/. . hh.//4. Ji.irs c/A./'.<r/ ,n „/,„/, 
f/,,^ //,-,'/ i/yifS/u'f /.'■ //■ /vv/A tM<f nJitir r/ie S/we i.i fv (enuuuiJ^ A //if //.Ws ,1/14/ i//t«rff/s 
,'/7//r///'r/,'o iJif .<fiil o/'f<'iiif, Vt/ifFrri/. 
J'u/ .''' J siiiikI f/iK'/'/'ni/'rr/r ,i/i<i-<l . 



lMA,;i,/lej;iU,> riul:' 



/■;.,/ 



Fl^//e /6. 







Fu/. ■> 




/''u/./. A Hoof prepared in the commouwav.in which the Frog- 
has been deprived of its hard surface, the Ifers removed, a oreat 
part of the Sole cut awav.^a ///.^ /><^v/ h f/ic So/e . 

Fu/. 2. A Hoof eontracted. in the hie;hest dep-ree. 



LBy,',M/f ^rriif r/ir7: 



rMc //, 





y^?^. /. The Concave Shoe lor Feet. where the Soles are flat or convex. 
Fuj. 2. The bar Shoe ^ox tender Frogs . 
J'n/.o. Tlie Shoe for a sound Foot . 



r/ii/i- IK. 




/'to. 1^. 




■>_ ^_ ,^, 



Hi/'/ '1.1 niiirArii /.^ i/t //le ■I'ni/,: 




/r^^.y.Aslde view ofUre souna lloo^. -Mlh :. ..v,V. she.in^- the pr^- 
degree of obliquity to be 40 decrees of elevation. _ a ./.. ( V,.,/-v b.M. l/r.f A 

I«,'''sidevicwortl.c Convex or Pimuce Foot. i,x wUioU the Hoofhaslost 
ir.Ti^t!:! fomx, axxdappx-oaelxes o degrees to.vax-d dxe llon.onta, hno . 
/'>;/..'>'. AHoof approaokina; too nearly die perpendieiilar . 



m.\;;i,i'' Iriilf I'hil : 



CMj 



^"mi^mrcm:^ 



^Mcm 






<I <3C. c 



re 






cacC- ^^ 



a» 








iMMi^p 


''^CXICCSc' CZct 0' cJCjC!^SS" 




I^S^CltC^CVi (d^ c^^ccs 




S<C::<0CKl: C0<;C^"<!^rcC;^ 


tea 





